Chatib Basri said he was first asked to maintain the fiscal policy, deficit and stability of macro-economic growth that has been set at 6.2 percent.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chatib Basri said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked him to manage the fiscal policy.

"I was asked to meet the President and there were several things that the President had conveyed to me with regard to my assignment," he said following a fit and proper test at the presidential palace ahead of his being named as the new finance minister here on Monday.

He said he was first asked to maintain the fiscal policy, deficit and stability of macro-economic growth that has been set at 6.2 percent.

The President had also asked him to formulate a fiscal policy or a fiscal incentive which could meet investment demand so that the growth of investment could remain high, he said.

The President said investment must be directed to labor-intensive sectors or creation of jobs, he added.

"The urgent task is finishing the draft revised budget. I think it has been done," he said.

When asked if he has recommended a person to replace him as head of the Investment Coordinating Board, Basri declined to answer.

President Yudhoyono named coordinating minister for economic affairs Hatta Rajasa as the acting minister of finance after former finance minister Agus Martowardojo was appointed as the next central bank governor.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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