Deti Mega Purnamasari, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono has been appointed Acting Religious Affairs Minister after embattled former minister and United Development Party (PPP) head Suryadharma Ali stepped down to face corruption charges connected to his management of the nation's $5 billion hajj fund – money collected from prospective pilgrims to pay for the yearly venture.

"The presidential decision has been signed and I have been called," Agung said on Wednesday. "It means that starting today I'm officially the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs until further notice."

Agung said he was asked to fill the position because he had already worked closely with the Religious Affairs Ministry in his capacity as Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare.

He has been involved in the government's efforts to keep returning pilgrims from spreading the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus.

He said that he would prioritize a smooth transfer of authority to keep the ministry performing properly in the run up to the hajj and Ramadan. He would not say how long he expected to hold the position.

"It's the president's prerogative, we don't meddle in it," he said. "The most important thing is now we have a lot to do, including... Ramadhan and hajj management."

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/agung-laksono-replaces-suryadharma/