TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -Chatib Basri, head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), is being touted as a strong candidate for the finance minister post. Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister, who has also taken the additional role of acting Finance Minister, Hatta Rajasa, hinted that the President would elect the former special advisor to the Indonesian Finance Minister (2006 to 2010).
"The finance minister must build a good investment climate," said Hatta at the Coordinating Economic Affairs office yesterday. When asked to confirm whether the chosen person would be Chatib Basri, Hatta smiled.
Hatta said the finance minister would be selected based on the United Indonesia II Cabinet. When asked which position will be empty in the cabinet, Hatta spontaneously answered, "The empty position will be Mr. Chatib Basri’s."
However, Hatta asserted that the President would officially announce who the new finance minister will be.
ALI NY | ANGGA SUKMA WIJAYA