Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto joked about acting Bank Indonesia Governor Destry Damayanti during a public event on Thursday after correcting her title, drawing attention as the government continues its search for the country's next central bank chief.

The moment came as Prabowo greeted officials attending the event and corrected Housing and Settlements Minister Maruarar Sirait, who had introduced Destry as Bank Indonesia's senior deputy governor.

"The housing minister got it wrong. Mrs. Destry is now the acting governor of Bank Indonesia," Prabowo said.

As Destry stood and greeted the audience with her palms pressed together, Prabowo followed with a lighthearted remark that drew laughter from attendees.

"So, what do you think?" Prabowo said with a laugh. "But in the end, it's up to the House of Representatives."

The exchange quickly drew public attention as the government is preparing to nominate a permanent successor to Perry Warjiyo, who resigned as Bank Indonesia governor on July 25.

Under Article 50(2) of the Bank Indonesia Law, Destry, as the central bank's senior deputy governor, automatically serves as acting governor until a permanent governor is appointed.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said President Prabowo has a key requirement for the country's next central bank chief.

"The one mandatory requirement is patriotism," Prasetyo said, referring to Merah Putih, an Indonesian expression denoting loyalty to the nation.

Asked whether Prabowo's joke should be interpreted as a sign of support for Destry, Prasetyo declined to speculate.

"Only the president knows," he said.

The government has yet to announce its nominee for Bank Indonesia governor.

Under Indonesian law, the president nominates the governor, who must then undergo a fit-and-proper test and secure approval from the House of Representatives before taking office.

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