RI’s youngest professor named SBY special aide

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has appointed Firmanzah, the dean of the University of Indonesia’s School of Economics, as his special staffer for economic affairs.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha confirmed on Friday the presidential decree on Firmanzah’s appointment had been issued a few days ago.

Firmanzah was also seen among the Yudhoyono delegation departing for the G-20 and Rio+20 Summits in Mexico and Brazil respectively.

“This will be a new world for me. I was raised on campus, now I am in the President’s inner circle,” he told journalists at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. “I am tasked to supply data as well as analyze the domestic and international economies.”

Firmanzah said he had filed his resignation to the University of Indonesia.

Firmanzah, 35, was named a professor in 2010, making him one of the youngest professors in the nation. (nvn)