"Luthfis appointment as trade minister is the right decision," Airlangga Hartarto, the chairman of the Commission VI overseeing among others trade and investment of the House of Representatives, stated here on Wednesday.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appointed former Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Muhammad Luthfi as new trade minister, replacing Gita Wirjawan who announced his resignation last January to pursue presidential candidacy.
At a press conference the President confirmed, "I find Muhammad Luthfi, an eligible person for the position as trade minister."
Muhammad Luthfi was also former chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
Airlangga added, "Luthfis appointment as trade minister is good. He was replaced by Gita Wirjawan as BKPM chief when he was appointed as ambassador to Japan. Now, Gitas post is taken over by Luthfi."
The politician from Golkar Party noted that the post needed to be fulfilled immediately because the trade sector was strategic and connected Indonesia with other countries of the world.
President Yudhoyono stated that one of the priorities for the new trade minister will be to ensure domestic price stabilization, which was one of the important aspects in trade.
Although the global economy has not yet fully recovered, maximum efforts must be taken to secure exports and open new markets, he added.
With regard to international cooperation, the head of state emphasized the importance of maintaining it through among others G20, ASEAN and APEC so that the countrys economic interests can be secured.
"I have confidence in Luthfi and hope that trade will remain Indonesias economic pillar," he asserted.
Reporting by Riza Harahap
(R024/H-YH/INE/B003)
EDITED BY INE
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
