Prabowo Nominates Destry Damayanti as Central Bank Governor

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto nominated Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate to succeed Perry Warjiyo as the central bank governor, a position she has held in an acting capacity since Warjiyo's resignation in late July. Presidential spokesman Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the nomination, stating, “There is only one name, it is Destry Damayanti.” The parliament, currently in recess, will have the final say on the appointment.

Destry, 62, has been a deputy governor of Bank Indonesia since 2019. Warjiyo's unexpected departure marked the second resignation of a major economic policymaker since Prabowo took office in October 2024, raising concerns about political interference in the central bank.

The backdrop includes a struggling rupiah and a declining stock market, with the currency losing about seven percent since February amid rising energy costs. The bank's board, which includes the governor and deputies, is responsible for monetary policy and interest rates.