JAKARTA — Perry Warjiyo, the widely respected governor of Indonesia's central bank, unexpectedly resigned on Monday, removing one of the country's most influential economic policymakers at a time when Southeast Asia's largest economy is confronting a weakening currency, slowing global demand and growing scrutiny over the independence of its monetary policy.
The government said Warjiyo stepped down for "personal reasons," offering no further explanation for a decision that surprised financial markets and ended nearly eight years leading Bank Indonesia.
President Prabowo Subianto accepted the resignation and thanked Warjiyo for his service, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced during a press briefing in Jakarta. Under Indonesia's central bank law, Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti will immediately assume the role of acting governor while the government prepares to nominate a permanent successor.
"The President has accepted Mr. Perry Warjiyo's resignation and expresses his highest appreciation for his dedication during his years leading Bank Indonesia," Prasetyo said.