JAKARTA (Indonesia Today) – President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) had on Friday (April 19) appointed Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa to act as acting finance minister, replacing outgoing Agus Martowardojo.
Agus had been appointed as new governor for central bank, Bank Indonesia, replacing Darmin Nasution.
Hatta’s extra job has surprised obrservers. “This is strange as the decision was made unexpectedly,” said Tony Prasetiantono as quoted by Bisnis Indonesia.
He said Hatta as chairman of a political party will pose such a conflict of interest and have no focus on fiscal issue, ahead of general election.
Faisal Basri, an economist, also questions the dismissal of Agus Matrowardojo before Darmin’s tenure ends. “This might be a political reason, instead of fiscal issue,” he said. (hans@theindonesiatoday.com)