JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has appointed Muhammad Lutfi as new Minister of Trade replacing Gita Wirjawan.
Gita has resigned as he opted to focus on winning nomination as president candidate from SBY’s Democratic Party.
SBY announced the appointment of Lutfi in a press conference held at the State Palace on Wednesday (Feb. 12) morning. Lutfi is expected to be sworn in as new Minister of Trade on Friday (Feb. 14).
Born in Jakarta on Aug. 16, 1969, Lutfi graduated from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States (US) and New York University, US, in 1992. The husband of a former model Bianca Adinegoro currently serves as Indonesian Ambassador for Japan. Prior to the position, Lutfi served as Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) for the period of 2005-2009.(haryantos@yosefardi.biz)