JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Gita Wirjawan, minister of trade, has tendered his resignation letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhotono (SBY) as he opted to focus on winning nomination as president candidate from SBY’s Democratic Party.
Gita claimed that SBY had accepted his resignation tender. Then effective February 1, 2014, Gita will not act as minister of trade.
Gita was elected as minister of trade in 2011, replacing Mari Elka Pangestu. Gita earlier served as chairman of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
So far, SBY has yet to make any statement about Gita’s successor at the strategic cabinet position amidst controversies surrounding import of rice from Vietnam.
Now, Bayu Krisnamurthi served as vice minister of trade. He said trade ministry is now investigating the case of rice import from Vietnam, focusing investigation on the importers side.