The state enterprises ministry had already finished its preparations to conduct the mergers but the various ministries technically involved in the BUMNs` operations might need more time, Dahlan Iskan said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The number of state-owned enterprises (BUMNs) in the country is to be cut by about 20 so that only 120 will be left this year, State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan said here Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after attending a limited cabinet meeting at the presidential office to discuss efforts to streamline state-owned companies, Dahlan said "their number will be reduced by at least 20."
The reduction would be effected mainly by merging companies engaged in the same line of business, he said.
For example, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) which now consists of 15 separate business entities would be united into a single state-owned holding company.
BUMNs engaged in forestry would also be merged into one state-owned company, he said, adding he hoped the processes could be completed in one month`s time.
The state enterprises ministry had already finished its preparations to conduct the mergers but the various ministries technically involved in the BUMNs` operations might need more time, he said.
At Wednesday`s limited cabinet meeting, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had emphasized the need to conduct the streamlining carefully, gradually and only to companies that were ready for it.
He also asked that the streamlining effort be made through the most appropriate mechanism and not necessarily through mergers or acquisitions only.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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