The Indonesian government has appointed Maroef Syamsudin as the new CEO of state-owned mining holding company MIND ID, replacing Hendi Prio Santoso. Lawmakers and industry experts have emphasized that the decision falls entirely under the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN)'s authority.

Sugeng Suparwoto, Deputy Chairman of Commission XII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that the appointment of MIND ID's CEO is fully within the government's jurisdiction, specifically under the Ministry of BUMN.

“Commission XII, in its partnership with MIND ID, focuses more on production governance and the enforcement of good mining practices,” Sugeng told Indonesia Business Post on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Meanwhile, Bambang Haryadi, another member of Commission XII, dismissed speculation of political pressure behind Maroef’s appointment, emphasizing that the decision was solely within the Ministry of BUMN’s authority.

“There was no pressure from Commission VII before or from Commission XII now. This is entirely within the Ministry’s authority,” he asserted.

On Maroef’s suitability for the role, Haryadi expressed optimism about his leadership, citing his prior engagement with Commission VII during his tenure as President Director of Freeport Indonesia.

“We, as partners, hope that MIND ID will perform better under Maroef Syamsudin. He is already familiar with the sector,” he added.

Industry Reactions
Hendra Sinadia, Executive Director of the Indonesia Mining Association, noted that Maroef’s appointment was widely anticipated within the industry.

“I am not too familiar with the rumors, but this decision might not be too surprising from the industry’s perspective, especially considering MIND ID’s role as a state-owned enterprise,” he said.

Given his extensive experience in the mining sector, Maroef’s leadership is expected to shape MIND ID’s strategic direction, particularly in strengthening Indonesia’s mining sector and investment climate.

Who is Maroef Syamsudin?
Maroef Syamsudin is an Indonesian executive and a retired Air Vice Marshal of the Indonesian Air Force. Born on January 1, 1957, in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, he is the younger brother of Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, former Indonesian Deputy Minister of Defense.

Graduating from the Indonesian Air Force Academy in 1980, Maroef held several key military and intelligence positions. He served as Commander of Squadron 465 Paskhas before being assigned as Defense Attaché to Brazil. His expertise in security and strategic operations led him to the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), where he served as Director of Counter-Separatist Operations and later as Expert Staff for Defense and Security. From 2011 to 2014, he held the position of Deputy Head of BIN, playing a critical role in national security affairs.

Following his retirement from the military, Maroef transitioned into the corporate sector. On January 7, 2015, he was appointed President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, where he oversaw significant corporate negotiations and internal reforms. However, his tenure lasted only a year, as he stepped down in January 2016.