President Appoints Chairul Tanjung as New Chief Economic Minister

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday appointed chief of the National Economic Committee (KEN) Chairul Tanjung as chief economic minister replacing Hatta Rajasa who had resigned. "I have come to the conclusion to appoint Chairul Tanjung as the new coordinating minister for economic affairs," the President said at the Presidential Palace here on Friday. The President said Chairul Tanjung's competence is adequate and his commitment to boost the national economy strong. Chairul is not a new face in the cabinet because has helped the government resolve economic problems in his capacity as KEN chairman, Yudhoyono said. "KEN is not a forum of academics but is a forum of practitioners in the business world, including experts and economists. I think Mr. Chairul Tanjung has successfully united all segments," he said. Although KEN is not a policy-making body, the views and recommendations of KEN under the leadership of Chairul Tanjung were useful to formulate and pass policies, he added. Yudhoyono said he had often asked Chairul Tanjung to join his cabinet since he came to power in 2004. "Thank God, Mr. Chairul Tanjung is ready to assist the government this time," he remarked. Hatta Rajasa, who is also chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), had submitted a letter of resignation to President Yudhoyono because he will be nominated to contest for the vice presidency. He will pair with the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto, who had previously declared his bid for the presidency. (*) Reporting by Muhammad Razi Rahman