Jakarta. Thomas Djiwandono, a nephew of President Prabowo Subianto, pledged to uphold the independence of Bank Indonesia after being formally approved by Parliament as deputy governor of the central bank for the 2026–2031 term.

Speaking to reporters at the parliamentary complex on Tuesday, Thomas said he had passed the fit and proper test conducted by the House of Representatives’ Commission XI a day earlier, stressing that the process followed existing laws and regulations.

“I have gone through the fit and proper test properly and in accordance with all applicable rules,” he said, declining to outline specific policy priorities for his five-year term.

Thomas acknowledged public concerns over potential conflicts of interest given his family ties to the president and his background as a former vice finance minister and ex-Gerindra Party official. He said his key commitment was to maintain Bank Indonesia’s independence while ensuring policy coordination.

“I want to reiterate my commitment to preserving central bank independence, while aligning fiscal and monetary policy, as I conveyed during the fit and proper process,” he said.

The House approved Thomas’ appointment during a plenary session on Tuesday, replacing Juda Agung, who resigned from the post. Commission XI Chairman Misbakhun said lawmakers unanimously endorsed Thomas following internal deliberations on Jan. 26.

The appointment has drawn public scrutiny, particularly over whether Bank Indonesia’s independence could be compromised. Addressing those concerns, University of Gadjah Mada economist Prof. Insukindro said BI’s independence rests on institutional safeguards rather than individual backgrounds.

He said that BI became formally independent following the enactment of Law No. 23/1999, which separated the central bank from the government. Since then, several governors and deputy governors have been appointed from outside BI, including from academia and government.

“Monetary policy is decided collectively by the Board of Governors, not by one individual,” Insukindro said, adding that decisions are based on technical analysis prepared by BI’s departments.

Trimegah Sekuritas Indonesia chief economist Fakhrul Fulvian said Thomas’ fiscal policy background reflects the growing need for closer coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities amid global economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions.

“Fiscal and monetary policies can no longer operate in isolation,” Fakhrul said, adding that BI’s policy framework must balance stability and long-term growth as global risks intensify.

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