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Indonesian finance minister becomes World Bank managing director

by Mathias Hariyadi
Indonesian President Yudhoyono accepted Sri Mulyani’s resignation. She is off to Washington for a prestigious post with the World Bank. Opposition remains critical of her role in the Century Bank rescue package. For most Indonesians, she is an honest person.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono accepted the resignation of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati (pictured), who left her post to become a managing director with the World Bank. Opposition parties continue however their barrage of criticism for her controversial decision to bail out a major Indonesian bank. Despite this, President Yudhoyono is confident in Ms Mulyani’s good record of accomplishment. Whilst he regrets her departure, he has congratulated her for her new and prestigious appointment.

“I should acknowledge she did a good job and kept Indonesia stable during the worldwide financial crisis,” the president said about his now former minister.

Representatives of the Golkar Party and Democrats Party also expressed their appreciation for the minister’s action, underscoring her integrity and respect in the international community.

They did recognise however that her reputation was a bit tarnished by the rescue plan for the Century Bank, which also saw the involvement of former Indonesian Central Bank Director and current Indonesian Vice President Boediono.

Opposition parties have not been so accommodating. Some opposition lawmakers have called for her World Bank appointment to be halted because of her role in the Century Bank scandal.

For this reason, they slammed the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK), which a few days ago interrogated her and Vice President Boediono, for not stopping her from leaving the country.

Disregarding the criticism, President Yudhoyono has accepted her departure for Washington.

For most Indonesians, the former minister and current Vice President Boediono are honest, non-partisan figures, free from ties with corrupt businessmen.