Jakarta. Destry Damayanti has been appointed acting governor of Bank Indonesia following the resignation of Perry Warjiyo, placing one of the country's most experienced economists at the helm of the central bank as the rupiah hovers near its weakest level since the 1998 Asian financial crisis.

With more than two decades of experience spanning academia, banking, financial regulation and monetary policy, Destry is widely regarded as a seasoned policymaker capable of ensuring continuity in Indonesia's monetary and financial stability.

Fakhrul Fulvian, chief economist at Trimegah Sekuritas Indonesia, said appointing Destry as acting governor was the right move to maintain market confidence during the transition.

He said Destry's extensive experience in macroeconomics, monetary policy and financial markets -- including her roles as Bank Indonesia's senior deputy governor, a former commissioner of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), chief economist and government adviser -- has given her a comprehensive understanding of Indonesia's economic challenges.

"Based on her capability and experience, she is one of the most qualified figures to lead Bank Indonesia going forward," Fakhrul said.

He added that Indonesia needs a central bank governor who can not only formulate sound monetary policy but also anchor market expectations through credible communication, navigate balance-of-payments dynamics, safeguard rupiah stability, deepen domestic financial markets and strengthen coordination with fiscal authorities.

"Close coordination with the government is an important part of maintaining national economic stability. At the same time, Bank Indonesia's independence must remain the primary foundation of market confidence," he said.

Born in Jakarta in 1963, Destry earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Indonesia before obtaining a Master of Science in Regional Science from Cornell University in the United States.

Destry has held senior positions across Indonesia's public and private sectors, building expertise in economic research, financial markets and policymaking.

• 2000–2003: Senior Economic Adviser to the British Ambassador to Indonesia, Richard Gozney.
• 2005–2006: Researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia.
• 2005–2011: Chief Economist at Mandiri Sekuritas, leading capital market and macroeconomic research.
• 2011–2015: Chief Economist at Bank Mandiri.
• 2014–2015: Chair of the Economic Task Force at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises.
• 2015–2019: Member of the Board of Commissioners at the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
• 2019–2024: Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia.
• 2024–2029: Reappointed as Senior Deputy Governor for a second five-year term.

Under Indonesia's Bank Indonesia Law, as amended by the 2023 Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law (P2SK), the senior deputy governor is the central bank's second-highest-ranking official after the governor.

The position carries broad responsibilities, including assisting the governor in formulating monetary policy, overseeing the central bank's operations, and ensuring institutional continuity when the governor is unable to perform his or her duties or when the position becomes vacant.

Following Perry Warjiyo's resignation, Destry automatically assumed the role of acting governor pending the appointment of a permanent successor.

Under Indonesian law, Destry will serve as acting governor until the president nominates a permanent governor, who must then be confirmed by the House of Representatives.

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