Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – Newly inaugurated Chairman of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) M Fanshurullah Asa has revealed that the monopoly watchdog will prioritize oversight of the mining, gas, electricity, and construction sectors in the initial 100 days of his term.
"We have identified sectors that consistently fall below the average business competition index. The primary weaknesses lie in the field of energy and mineral resources, particularly in mining, gas, and electricity, as well as in the construction sector," said Fanshurullah after being inaugurated by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said that the oversight of these sectors is part of the initial targets set for the first 100 days.
"We want to carefully make sure so that there is no monopoly in this sector, creating inefficiencies that burden the people," he added.
Furthermore, Fanshurullah said that the KPPU will continue to monitor the digital market and food security.
"Food security because food is crucial for us. We want to make sure that there is no monopoly and unhealthy competition," he said.
In the digital sector, one of KPPU's focuses last year was the acquisition of Tokopedia by Bytedance's TikTok, which could pave the way for Tokopedia to become the biggest e-commerce in Indonesia. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
"KPPU's tasks include three things. First, to safeguard industrial interests; second, to create efficiency in the national economy; and third, to realize the welfare of the Indonesian people," said Fanshurullah.
On Thursday, President Jokowi inaugurated nine members of the KPPU, including M. Fanshurullah Asa, Aru Armando, Rhido Jusmadi, Gopprera Panggabean, Hilman Pujana, Moh Noor Rofieq, Mohammad Reza, Eugenia Mardanugraha, and Budi Joyo Santoso.
These nine KPPU members have undergone a fit and proper test with the House of Representatives on Nov. 14-15, 2023. They were selected from a total of 18 candidates who participated in the selection process.