Indonesian president fires minister after rumor of holding U. S. citizenship

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday evening decided to terminate the term of a newly appointed minister after rumor that he is holding both Indonesian and U.S. citizenship, official announced here.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Archandra Tahar, who was appointed as minister on July 27, was fired from his position effective on Tuesday, Pratikno, secretary of state, announced.

"Responding on the public questions about the citizen status of Archandra Tahar, the president decided to fire energy and mineral resources Archandra Tahar," Pratikno said at the State Palace.

President Widodo appointed Coordinating Minister for Maritime Luhut Pandjaitan to temporarily take over Tahar's tasks, the secretary of state said.

Tahar has gained U.S. citizenship after he applied for it, but his Indonesian passport has not expired.

President Widodo picked up Tahar as parts of his second cabinet reshuffle.

Indonesia does not apply dual citizenship system.

(APD)