Presiden Jokowi Supports Mari Elka Pangestu as World Bank’s Managing Director

Mari Elka Pangestu meets President Jokowi at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (11/2). (Photo: Jay/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo nominated Mari Elka Pangestu, former Minister of Trade (2004-2011) and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (2011-2014), as managing director of the World Bank.

“President Jokowi expressed hope that I can update the current world situation regularly, including the issues and challenges so that he can always get updated,” Mari Elka Pangestu said after meeting President Jokowi at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Tuesday (11/2).

When meeting the President, Mari expressed gratitude that she had been nominated for such prestigious position in the World Bank. She added that during the meeting, both figures discussed her future job at the World Bank.

Regarding global economy, Mari said that today there are many uncertainties so developing countries must take measures to anticipate this situation, both in terms of economy and sustainable development.

“Global growth is projected to slow, particularly due to Corona virus,” she added.

During the meeting, Mari and President Jokowi also discussed the importance of economic integration between ASEAN countries and its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Despite global uncertainty in trade sector, Mari continued, Indonesia should continue to promote economic openness and integration in the region.

“Since it will be a new source of growth. That is one of issues that we discussed in the meeting,” Mari said.

She went on explaining that the President’s priority program on structural reforms is the most appropriate step to take at this time.

“This is what other developing countries have done in dealing with the uncertainty,” Mari said.

For the record, Mari will be appointed as Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships for the World Bank as of 1 March 2020. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana