JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono plans to meet President Prabowo Subianto after being officially elected as Deputy Governor of the Bank Indonesia (BI) for the period 2026-2031.
However, Thomas revealed that he had not met Prabowo directly since he was appointed as the Deputy Governor of the Bank Indonesia in the 12th Plenary Meeting of the III Session of the DPR on Tuesday, January 27.
He said the last meeting with Prabowo took place during a working visit abroad in order to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
"I haven't met him (Prabowo), what since I was with him in London and Davos, so but I have of course I have to ask for time because I want to say goodbye of course from the Cabinet and so on," he told the media, Wednesday, January 28.
After his appointment as Deputy Governor of BI, Thomas stated that he had applied for time to meet President Prabowo, especially in order to say goodbye to the Red and White Cabinet.
"So I haven't met him, but I have asked for time to meet him," he added.
Thomas also emphasized that there had never been any talks with Prabowo regarding the nomination or the process of being elected as Deputy Governor of the BI.
He added that the process of filling the position began with the resignation of Juda Agung as Deputy Governor of BI and was carried out entirely in accordance with the applicable mechanisms and provisions.
"I was appointed as deputy governor, well that was also done through the existing processes and mechanisms. There is not one thing that is bypassed, violated, let alone diverted," he said.
Thomas also did not deny his background as a politician and his family relationship with the President. However, he asked the public to judge based on his track record and professional experience.
"If it's about background, I as a politician or even family closeness is a fact, but please look at the track record I have done before," he added.
Thomas ensured that he was no longer active in the Gerindra Party and had resigned from the Gerindra DPP management since December 31, 2025, in order to focus on carrying out his duties at the Ministry of Finance.
"As a member, I resign on December 31, 2025, because of this principle. It seems that it feels better. Although the rules at the Ministry of Finance do not exist, it is better like that," he explained.
When asked about the involvement of Finance Minister Purbaya in the nomination process, Thomas admitted that he did not know and suggested that the question be submitted directly to the person concerned.
"I don't know, you can ask the Minister of Finance," he said.
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