TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Muhammad Chatib Basri's chances of being the next Finance Minister is getting higher. More heads are turning towards his appointment as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that the new finance minister will be a person who is able to maintain fiscal sustainability and boost the investment climate.
Desty Damayanti, Mandiri Sekuritas Chief Economist, said that during his time as BKPM head, Chatib successfully made a number of investments breakthroughs, such as simplifying the licensing process that facilitates foreign investment in Indonesia.
Deputy Finance Minister Mahendra Siregar said that Chatib suits the criteria desired by the President: a figure that can maintain the investment climate and improve the performance of micro businesses and industries.
If appointed, the former special advisor for the Finance Minister will be the fourth finance minister in Yudhoyono's administration.
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