CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR CANDIDATE TESTED BY LAWMAKERS

Lawmakers started the fit and proper test for the two candidates for Central Bank governor Monday.

Raden Pardede was first up to present his plans for the country’s controversial Central Bank. He’s currently the number two man in the state owned Asset Management Company (PPA), and is said to be strong in monetary economy.

If chose, Pardede said he will implement policies that will stabilize the economy, and repair the bank’s tarnished image.

But his personal ties were part of lawmakers’ questioning.

"How can you assure us that you won't be entangled in a conflict of interest if you're elected as the central bank governor, considering you have close ties with a number of business conglomerates?" asked Dradjat Wibowo, an 11th Commission member.

Questioning for the other candidate, Agus Martowardojo, was moved to today because Monday’s session with Pardede went overtime.

Martowardojo currently heads the country’s largest state owned Bank Mandiri. He’s credited with making many improvements in the bank that was made up of four struggling state owned financial institutions.

Current Central Bank Governor Burhanudin Abdullah’s term expires on May 17. Abdullah, a suspect in a graft case involving lawmakers, said he’s not seeking a second term.

Earlier in the process lawmakers rejected the president’s nominees because neither comes from within the Central Bank.

Their lack of experience in Central Bank monetary policies has led many lawmakers to doubt their qualifications. But lawmakers will show whether those doubts are answered when they vote on the nomination tomorrow.