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Who's who in Indonesia

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Cabinet Members - Brief Profile

Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono: President

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also known by his initials SBY, won over voters with his image as a man of integrity, a strong communicator and firm leader in times of crisis. A strong image is seen as key, with President Yudhoyono probably being best known internationally for his leading role in Indonesia's fight against terrorism in the wake of the Bali bombing in 2002. His speech on the anniversary of the attack was seen as one of the strongest delivered by any Indonesian leader on an issue which is still politically sensitive.

But critics say the former military commander is surprisingly indecisive, tending to consider all perspectives and opinions before making up his mind. Budi Santoso, chairman of President Yudhoyono’s Democrat party, agrees he is a thoughtful man, but says he is capable of making decisive moves when necessary. "For example, while other presidential candidates where still looking about for suitable running mates, Susilo had already chosen Jusuf Kalla as his vice president," Mr Santoso said. I understand what [people] feel; I know their expectations

President Yudhoyono, the man dubbed "the thinking general" was born in 1949 in East Java. The son of a retired army lieutenant, he graduated from Indonesia's military academy in 1973. Two years later Indonesian security forces invaded East Timor. As he rose through the ranks, Mr. Yudhoyono completed several tours of duty in the territory. By the time of East Timor's violent transition to independence in 1999, he had been promoted to Chief of Territorial Affairs. As such he would have reported directly to Gen Wiranto, the former head of the armed forces who has now been indicted for war crimes by a special tribunal in East Timor. But there has never been any attempt to bring charges against Mr. Yudhoyono. His supporters say he was not part of the inner circle of military commanders accused of allowing the violence to spread.

Mr. Yudhoyono joined the government of Abdurrahman Wahid in 2000, at which point he received his honorary rank of four star General. He started as Minister of Mining but was soon promoted to Chief Minister for Security and Political Affairs. A year later he found himself in conflict with his boss. Facing impeachment, President Wahid asked Mr. Yudhoyono to declare a state of emergency, which he refused, losing his position as a result. Under President Megawati Mr. Yudhoyono was reappointed as senior political and security minister, a position from which he resigned in March 2004, following a very public spat with the president and her husband.

The decision to resign, according to Denny Ja, executive director of the Indonesian Survey Institute, has paid off handsomely. "Even though SBY was a senior member of a deeply unpopular government, he has come to be seen as a victim of that government rather than part of it," said Mr Ja. Being forced from office under successive presidents seems to have enhanced Mr. Yudhoyono’s reputation as a man of principle, willing to sacrifice his own ambitions for the values he believes in.

President Yudhoyono's vision and promises in the 2009 election largely mirrored those of his first campaign, with such promises as making the eradication of the corrupt judiciary (commonly referred to as the 'judicial mafia') the top priority within the first 100 days. More specific programmes voiced by President Yudhoyono have been the promotion of economic growth and specifically the improvement of infrastructure, by means of public private partnerships amongst other initiatives, and the increase in electricity generation capacity, particularly by means of clean energy such as geothermal and hydropower. Additionally, President Yudhoyono’s vision includes revitalizing the defence industry, striving to eradicate terrorism, and promoting food production so as to achieve food security for Indonesia.

 

Prof. Dr. Budiono, M.Ec: Vice President

Budiono is a well respected technocrat who has held a number of high-profile positions in the cabinet and at Bank Indonesia. He is known for being calm under pressure, tight-lipped around journalists, and extremely frugal.

These features of his character are popular with the Indonesian public, however, he remains relatively low-profile.

Boediono holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Western Australia (1967), a master's degree from Monash University (1972), and a doctorate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (1979). He also worked at the Australian National University as a research assistant in the 1970s.

Boediono was a deputy governor in charge of fiscal monetary policy at Bank Indonesia (1997-1998) during the height of the financial crisis; State Minister of National Planning and Development (1998-1999), where he took part in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank regarding the bailout packages; and Minister of Finance under President Megawati Sukarnoputri (2001).

During President Yudhoyono's first term, Boediono held the position of Chief Economics Coordinating Minister (2005), where he oversaw the ministries of Finance, Trade, Industry, Energy, Public Works and Agriculture. At the time he had a particularly good working relationship with Sri Mulyani, the former Minister of Finance, and another key reformer in the cabinet. He was then elected by a commission of the People's Representative Council as the Governor of Bank Indonesia (2008), a position from which he resigned upon being selected by President Yudhoyono as his running mate in the 2009 election.

While acting at the governor of Bank Indonesia, Boediono lectured at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta every Saturday, focusing on economic history in relation to politics.

 

Marshat TNI (Ret.) Djoko Suyanto: Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs

A graduate of the Air Force Academy (1973), he has had a lengthy career in the military, first as a fighter pilot, having completed training at the USAF Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. And more recently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian National Army-Air Force.

 

Ir. Hatta Rajasa: Coordinating Minister for the Economy

He served as research and technology minister under Megawati, and as Transportation Minister in the first Yudhoyono cabinet. He is a member of the National Mandate Party (PAN) of Amien Rais.

 

Dr. H.R. Agung Laksono: Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare

A longtime political player who has previously held the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) (2004-2009). And a member of the Golkar party who was elected as vice-chairman in 2004.

 

Letjen TNI (Purn) Sudi Silalahi: Cabinet Secretary

A retired three-star lieutenant general and former East Java Military Command chief, previously served as secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. He played a key role Yudhoyono’s rise to power. Their friendship dates back more than 30 years to when they were military cadets.

 

Gamawan Fauzi SH, MS: Home Affairs Minister

A career bureaucrat who is known for fighting corruption, and who was previously elected as Governor of West Sumatra (2005). He holds a Bachelors from the Andalas University's School of Law, Padang.

 

Dr. Raden Mohammad Marty Muliana Natalegawa, M.Phil, B.Sc: Foreign Affairs Minister

A career diplomat who has served as Indonesia's envoy to the United Nations and to the United Kingdom. Holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from the Australian National University (1993), Masters of Philosophy from Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge (1985), and a BSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (1984).

 

E E Mangindaan: Transportation Minister

Former Minister of Utilization of State Apparatus and Bureaucracy Reform.

 

Prof. Dr. Ir. Muhammad Nuh: National Education Minister

An information technology expert, who has previously served as the rector of the November 10 Institute of Technology in Surabaya. He hold a PhD from Universite Sciences et Techniques de Montpellier, France.

 

Prof. Dr. Ir. Purnomo Yusgiantoro: Defense Minister

Purnomo held the position of Energy and Mineral Resources Minister under the first Yudhoyono cabinet, Megawati and Wahid. He also served as the president of OPEC prior to Indonesia leaving the organization.

 

Ir. Mohamad Suleman Hidayat: Industry Minister

A former chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and a businessman, is a member of the Golkar Party.

 

Dr.H. Salim Segaf Al-Jufrie: Social Affairs Minister

A co-funder of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia (2005). He holds a Ph.D in Shariah from Madinah University, Saudi Arabia.

 

Amir Sjamsuddin: Law and Human Rights Minister

Former Chief Advisor of the ruling Democrat Party.

 

Gita Wirjawan: Trade Minister

Former Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

 

Drs. H. Suryadharma Ali: Religious Affairs Minister

Ali is a senior member of PPP and a strong supporter of Yudhoyono. As a legislator, he played a key role in the June 2001 impeachment of Wahid.

 

Ir. H. Tifatul Sembiring: Information and Communication Minister

The leader of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), he holds a Bachelors from Institute of Computer and Information Management (STI&K), Jakarta.

 

Ir. H. Suswono, MMA: Agriculture Minister

A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Commission for Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (2004-2009). He holds a Masters in Agribusiness from Agribusiness Management Magister, Bogor Institute of Agriculture.

 

Mari Pangestu: Tourism and Culture Minister

Former Trade Minister.

 

Basrif Arief: Attorney General

A veteran prosecutor who has had an almost 43 year career at the AGO prior to his retirement in 2007.

 

Zulkifli Hasan, SE, MM: Forestry Minister

The former chairman of a committee in Parliament which was set up to investigate the policy to hike fuel prices in 2008. A member of the National Mandate Party.

 

Berth Kambuaya: Environment Minister

Former Rector of Cenderawasih University.

 

Agus D.W. Martowardojo: Finance Minister

An Indonesian banker, and a graduate of the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia (1984), who, prior to his appointment had a lengthy career with a number of foreign and Indonesian banks. Immediately prior to the appointment he served as the CEO of state owed Bank Mandiri, the largest bank in Indonesia.

 

Jero Wacik: Energy and Mineral Resources Minister

Former Minister of Tourism.

 

Linda Amalia Sari, Sip: Women’s Empowerment Minister

An activist for women's rights and a former chairperson of the Indonesian Women's Congress (Kowani) (2004-2009).

 

Dr. dr. Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih: Health Minister

A public health specialist with a doctorate from Harvard University.

 

Syarif Cicip Sutardjo: Maritime and Fisheries Minister

Former Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party.

 

Azwar Abubakar: Minister of Administrative Reform

A National Mandate Party Legislator.

 

Ir. H. Ahmad Helmy Faishal Zaini: Minister for the Acceleration of Development in Less-Developed Regions

A politician who was previously a member of House Commission VI and the House Assembly. He holds a Masters from Paramadina University, Jakarta.

 

Drs H. A. Muhaimin Iskandar, MSi: Manpower and Transmigration Minister

A politician who was instrumental in providing the support of the National Awakening Party (PKB) to President Yudhoyono’s reelection bid. He holds a Masters in Communication from University of Indonesia 

 

Djan Faridz: Public Housing Minister

Former Member of the Jakarta City Council.

 

Dr. Syariefuddin Hasan: Cooperatives and Small-Medium Enterprises (SME) Minister

A politician who has spent considerable time with the House of Representatives defense and foreign affair commission. He holds a PhD from Krisnadwipayana University (Unkris), Jakarta.

 

Ir. Djoko Kirmanto, Dipl. HE: Public Works Minister

Kirmanto served as director general for housing and settlement at the Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Ministry during the Wahid administration. Under the Megawati administration he became secretary general of the ministry.

 

Dr. Andi Alfian Mallarangeng: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister

A Democratic Party politician who was previously a spokesman for President Yudhoyono. He holds a PhD in politics from Northern Illinois University.

 

Dahlan Iskan: State Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister

Former President of the State Electricity Company (PLN).

 

Prof. Dr. Armida Alisjahbana: National Development Planning Minister / Head of BAPPENAS

An academic from Padjajaran University and the daughter of former Foreign Minister Mochtar Kusuma Atmadja, she holds a PhD in Economics from University of Washington, Seattle.

 

Gusti Mohammad Hatta: Research and Technology Minister / Head of BPPT

Former Minister of the Environment.

 

[Last update: 2011-12-16 19:13:49]