What Is Destry Damayanti's Mission as Bank Indonesia Governor Candidate?

Destry Damayanti, currently serving as acting Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), has undergone a fit and proper test by the Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) and is running for the position. As the candidate, she has outlined her vision for Red and White Synergy to benefit the Indonesian people, aiming for a central bank that is adaptive and innovative.

Destry highlights several global challenges Indonesia faces, such as geopolitical risks, economic slowdown, vulnerable financial markets, rising inflation, volatile capital flows, and digitalization risks. Despite these issues, some macroeconomic indicators remain stable, thanks to government policy stimuli and Bank Indonesia's policy mix.

If elected, Destry has five missions for the central bank under her leadership. First, she plans to strengthen the bank's policy mix to maintain exchange rate stability and stimulate growth. Second, she aims to optimize data management and preserve economic sovereignty by regulating foreign exchange traffic. Third, she seeks to promote inclusive, sustainable Islamic finance.

Fourth, she intends to enhance credibility and speed up digital innovation for better institutional governance. Lastly, she emphasizes reinforcing coordination to improve Indonesia's overall quality.

Destry explains that the central bank's policy mix aims to create a positive economic climate, with price stability being the primary prerequisite for maintaining independence, as per the principle of Asta Cita. Financial expert Fakhrul Fulvian notes that the central bank's role has become increasingly complex due to global economic changes, inflation, liquidity, financial markets, technological advancements, and domestic policies affected by the global financial cycle.

He believes that while maintaining the bank's core principles is essential, it does not mean clinging to outdated methods. Inflation targeting and independence remain crucial, but the value of credibility increases as the world becomes more uncertain.