Sofyan Djalil appointed interim finance minister

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 10/07/2008 11:37 AM  |  Business

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday appointed the State Minister of State Enterprise Sofyan Djalil as the acting finance minister replacing Sri Mulyani, who will attend an annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in Washington D.C.

The President believes it is necessary to appoint an interim minister for the post considering the current global financial situation, which requires careful attention, Sofyan told reporters.

"The President has given me general guidance on the national budget, tax, excise and others, but nothing specific," he said, adding that he would hold the position for 10 days starting Tuesday.

Sofyan said he would discuss the rupiah, which had been fluctuating over the past days, with Bank Indonesia Governor Boediono on the same day.

"We are planning a meeting to talk about necessary steps. The President has not told me specific things on the matter. I'll have the meeting first, and in the afternoon the governor and I will meet with the President," he said.

The rupiah dropped to Rp 9,700 to the U.S. dollar shortly after trade opened Tuesday morning, as more dollars were purchased in the market because of fears of a widening global financial crisis.

Rupiah slid by 145 points from Rp 9,555/9,570 at the trade closing on Monday. (dre)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.