TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Expressing his gratitude for Indonesia's 70th year of independence, Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo is determined to carry on with the founding fathers' goal of upholding the country's sovereignty.

Agus said that as governor of the central bank he will prioritize the sovereignty of the nation's currency, the rupiah, which has been spiraling downward this year.

"It's not easy an easy task, therefore I ask all BI employees to do some real work," he told Tempo after leading the Independence Day ceremony in his office, Monday, August 17.

To pursue rupiah's independency, he said, is not easy. Agus admitted there are a myriad of domestic problems that have not been resolved. "There are also an array of global challenges," Agus said.

He hopes the people believe would have faith that the central bank will carry out its functions as best as it could. "Our task is to preserve and maintain the stability of the rupiah as well as possible," said Agus.

This morning, Agus lead the Independence Day ceremony at the BI office's main square. The ceremony was also attended by the banks' current board of governors and former BI officials such as Miranda Goeltom.

ANDI RUSLI