President asked to appoint new BI chief

A legislator has requested President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appoint an officer to lead Bank Indonesia, saying an empty seat may affect the bank’s performance in maintaining Indonesia’s economic stability.

“The [central bank chief] position has been vacant for a year. It is about time the President pick a name,” legislator Arif Budimanta, a member of House of Representatives Commission XI overseeing financial affairs, told kompas.com on Sunday.

The post has been available since former BI chief Boediono posed his resignation after entering the presidential election race alongside running mate Yudhoyono.

Speculation has emerged that senior banker Agus Martowardjojo and economist Iman Sugema are among promising candidates for the position.

However, Arif said he refused to support a certain candidate. “Most importantly, the candidate must have a strong commitment to fighting corruption, be hard working and be good in monetary issues.” (nkn)