Prabowo Subianto, the president-elect of Indonesia, is carefully considering his top choices for the crucial role of finance minister. Among the candidates being considered are Indonesian financial regulator Mahendra Siregar and former finance minister Chatib Basri, according to sources close to Prabowo.
Investors are eagerly awaiting Prabowo’s decision, as ratings agencies have expressed concerns about the potential costs of the president-elect’s proposed programs. Maintaining fiscal discipline is crucial for Indonesia’s economic stability, and the choice of finance minister will play a significant role in achieving this.
Prabowo is reportedly looking for a professional with market credibility to lead the finance ministry. Both Basri and Siregar are well-respected figures in the financial sector, with extensive experience in government and finance.
Other names in contention for the role include central bank governor Perry Warjiyo, deputy state-owned enterprises minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, and former finance minister Bambang Brodjonegoro. Prabowo is expected to take his time in making a decision, with seven months left before his inauguration.
The current finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, is not expected to retain her position due to differences with Prabowo over defense spending. Prabowo’s victory in the recent election has been officially announced, but the results are being contested in the Constitutional Court. A decision is expected on April 22, with the new finance minister set to take office in October.