Thomas Djiwandono: The president did not interfere with the position of the BI deputy governor

Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—Newly elected Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor for the 2026–2031 term, Thomas Djiwandono, strongly disputed claims of presidential interference in his selection process.

Thomas said that his uncle, President Prabowo Subianto, may have helped him get the job. However, he stressed that this kind of involvement never happened, either before or during the selection process.

“There was never any talk with President Prabowo about my candidacy, either before or during the selection process,” Thomas commented, Wednesday, January 28, as quoted in Inilahcom.

He asserted that his appointment adhered to the correct procedures and institutional protocols. He rejected any notion that familial ties played a role. In fact, Thomas asserts that he carried out the entire process independently. He says he adhered to the established rules at the time.

Thomas added that he has not met President Prabowo in person since his formal appointment as BI Deputy Governor. Indeed, the last time they saw each other was on an official trip to another country.

“The last meeting was when I went with the president on a trip to London and Davos,” he said.

Thomas said he has not met President Prabowo in person since his appointment at the central bank. He said he had asked to meet Prabowo solely to bid farewell before leaving his government position.

“I requested time to meet him just to say goodbye because I will be leaving my cabinet role,” Thomas said.

His comments come at a time when people are paying more attention to whether key state institutions, like BI, are politically neutral. The constitution says that BI must stay independent.

Thomas denied the president’s involvement. He said this to reinforce BI’s institutional integrity and his promise to be professional and independent as deputy governor.

The clarification should help relieve people’s worries about possible conflicts of interest in the leadership of Indonesia’s central bank.