Erick Thohir Appointed As Acting Coordinating Minister for Maritime While Luhut Is Hospitalized

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - President Jokowi has temporarily appointed Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir as the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs due to Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan's ongoing health treatment in Sigapore.

Presidential Special Staff Coordinator, Ari Dwipayana informed journalists on Wednesday (11/10/2023), stating, “Because Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (LBP), Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, is currently undergoing health treatment, President Jokowi has appointed Mr. Erick Thohir, Minister of BUMN, as the Ad-interim Coordinating Minister for Marves.”

Luhut is known for his somehow powerful role in the government compared to the other ministers. Despite his role in maritime, he also dealt with COVID-19 policy, and the project to relocate capital, among others. His wide influence gained him the title "Lord Luhut" from social media users, but the senior minister said he disliked the title.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, disclosed that he was unwell. He mentioned experiencing severe fatigue a few days ago. 

Luhut, on his official Instagram account @luhut.pandjaitan, said, “A few days ago, after attending my participation in an event, I unexpectedly experienced a level of exhaustion unlike my usual post-work fatigue.”

Concerned about his condition, Luhut's wife promptly brought him to a hospital in Jakarta.

"Noticing my unusual state, my wife took the initiative to escort me to a hospital in Jakarta for additional precautionary measures," he stated.

Luhut mentioned that due to his condition, the medical team advised him to refrain from his regular activities for several days. This included even checking the latest updates and news, which he typically did every morning.

"My wife insisted, 'Rest and pay attention to your body first,'" Luhut added, imitating his wife's words.