National flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia has undergone a major leadership shake-up following an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

In the meeting, shareholders formally dismissed Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan from his position as President Director, less than a year after his appointment. Glenny H. Kairupan, who previously served as a commissioner, has been appointed as his replacement.

The EGMS also named Thomas Sugiarto Oentoro as Vice President Director, while the vacant commissioner seat was filled by Frans Dicky Tamara. In a notable move, Garuda also welcomed two new foreign directors, Balagopal Kunduvara and Neil Raymond Mills, signaling an effort to bring international expertise into the company’s management ranks.

Garuda Indonesia, which is still recovering from the pandemic’s impact and a major debt restructuring, has been under close government supervision through Danantara, a state-owned strategic holding for aviation and tourism.

The new leadership is expected to accelerate Garuda’s turnaround plan and solidify its position as a competitive full-service carrier in the region.

Following the announcement, Danantara CEO Rosan P. Roeslani, representing the government’s strategic holding entity overseeing Garuda, stated that the overhaul is a strategic step to strengthen the airline’s business, finances, and long-term performance.

“Danantara has already injected US$405 million into Garuda. Moving forward, we’ll continue to reinforce its capital base provided that the company’s plans and strategies are executed effectively,” Rosan told reporters on Wednesday evening.

He added that the reshuffle should not be seen as criticism of the outgoing management, but rather as a tactical adjustment to ensure Garuda is equipped with the right mix of leadership skills.

“Think of it like a football team. You can’t have all strikers on the field. You need defenders and a goalkeeper too. The goal is balance, not replacement for the sake of replacement,” Rosan said.

According to Rosan, the management changes are part of a broader consolidation within Garuda to combine domestic experience with global aviation know-how. The inclusion of foreign executives, he noted, is aimed at improving operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and implementing stronger financial controls.

“All parties have contributed positively, but we believe this composition will make Garuda stronger overall, not only in its finances but also in planning and execution,” Rosan said.