JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Gen. (ret) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has been sworn in as new Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security Affairs (Polhukam) replacing Admiral (ret) Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, a politician from Surya Paloh’s Nasdem Party.

Luhut took his oath this afternoon (Aug. 12) in front of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the State Palace, Jakarta.

Born in Toba Samosir, North Sumatra, on Sep. 28, 1947, Luhut also serves as Chief of the President Staff office. He is now one of the most influential figures within President Jokowi’s inner circle.

Under the administration of the late President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), Luhut served as Minister of Trade & Industry. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)