Some DPR Factions Agree to Only One Candidate for BI Governor
Monday, 31 March, 2008 | 16:31 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Some factions’ members at the House of Representatives (DPR) have said they have no objection if President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono only proposes one candidate for the position of Bank Indonesia (BI) governor.

The possibility of only one name emerged after the President met with bankers, economists, media leaders and former BI governors of BI, on two occasions last week.

During these meetings, the names of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono were mentioned as strong candidates.

However, according to several Tempo sources, the meetings then focused on one name, Boediono.

According to Endin AJ Soefihara, Deputy Chairman of the DPR Finance and Banking commission, it would not be a problem for the President to propose one name only, especially if it were Boediono.

“A second candidate would be supplementary. He (Boediono) will be the main candidate,” this member of the United Development Party (PPP) faction told Tempo in Jakarta yesterday (30/3).

Ganjar Pranowo, Secretary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction, said that the faction also had no objection over Boediono.

The monetary knowledge of this former finance minister during Megawati's administration was sufficient.

“His credibility and reputation are also good,” said Ganjar.

Zulkifli Hasan, Head of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, said he believed that Boediono could pass the proper and fit test.

Unlike other factions, the Functional Group Party (Golkar) faction disagrees with the idea of one candidate.

According to Priyo Budi Santoso, Head of the Golkar faction, it is too risky to propose only one name.

“Psychologically, Parliament will feel that it is being forced to accept one name,” he said.

EKO ARI | GUNANTO | AGUS SUPRIYANTO | EKO NOPIANSYAH