Profile Let Elka Pangestu, Economist Who Becomes Presidential Special Envoy Helps Trade Issues

Let's Elka Pangestu. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Economist Mari Elka Pangestu was inaugurated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Presidential Special Envoy for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 22.

The position of special envoy is regulated through Presidential Regulation Number 137 of 2024.

Let's carry out special tasks in the field of trade that are given directly by the President, but outside of tasks that have been covered in the organizational structure of ministries and other government agencies.

The appointment of Mari Elka is in accordance with her background and experience as an economist, monetary expert and lecturer.

The woman who was born on October 23, 1956, has served in several important positions in the academic world and government.

From 2020 to March 2023, Mari Elka served as managing director of development policy and partnerships at the World Bank, because of her dedication and expertise in encouraging economic development.

He once occupied the seat of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy for the 2011-2014 period replacing Jero Wacik. Previously, Mari Elka had also served as Minister of Trade in 2004-2011.

In the same period, Mari Elka became Minister of State Cooperatives and SMEs of Indonesia Ad-Interim on October 1, 2008 to October 20, 2009.

Let's get an education at the Australian National University and get a Bachelor's degree and a Master of Economics.

He then got a doctor from the University of California, Davis. He also received a Ph.D. in terms of International Trade, Finance and Monetary Economy in the United States.

In the field of education, Mari serves as a professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia.

Research and its contributions in the field of international trade and development economy, earned him recognition among domestic and foreign academics.

The son of the Indonesian economist, J.Panglaykim, is also active in various trading forums such as the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).