Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati calls on the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to strengthen its commitment to diversity by increasing the representation of Indonesian professionals in its leadership roles.
According to reports, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati says that Indonesia, as the third-largest shareholder in the IsDB, deserves greater inclusion within the institution’s management.
Emphasising this position during a recent meeting with IsDB President Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, FM Indrawati also claims that the current underrepresentation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Indonesian professionals to actively engage and contribute to global development efforts.
By expanding their presence in international institutions like the IsDB, Indonesia can play a more significant role in shaping strategies and solutions that address the shared challenges of member countries.
The meeting also addressed pressing issues facing IsDB member nations, including economic disparities, constrained government finances, and low-income classifications.
Both leaders discussed reforms to the IsDB’s operational framework, with a focus on enhancing its business model, modernizing financial tools, and refining pricing mechanisms. These reforms aim to better support member countries, particularly those grappling with severe development challenges.
During her working visit to Riyadh, FM Indrawati also participated as a panellist at the International Zakat, Tax, and Customs Conference. Speaking in the Ministerial Session: Ensuring Prosperity through Creating Sustainable Economic Revenues, she shared insights alongside Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Bahrain’s Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and India’s State Minister of Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary.
In her address, FM Indrawati reflected on Indonesia’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. She stressed the importance of sound fiscal policy, tax reform, and forward-looking financial governance in building economic resilience. Indonesia’s experience, she noted, highlights the need for innovative strategies to navigate global economic uncertainties.
“We can learn much about economics and fiscal policies, economic diversification, and economic transformation from other countries, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations”, says FM Indrawati .
Her comments underscored the value of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in addressing fiscal challenges and promoting sustainable development.
By fostering closer ties with international institutions like the IsDB and actively participating in global forums, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to both domestic and international development. This collaborative approach not only strengthens Indonesia’s influence on the global stage but also ensures it contributes meaningfully to the economic advancement of IsDB member nations.
President Al Jasser has invited FM Indrawati to a high-level strategic meeting in Madinah in early 2025, where the IsDB’s long-term strategic direction will be further refined.
This upcoming engagement signals a continued partnership between Indonesia and the IsDB in driving development-focused initiatives.
FM Indrawati’s visit and ongoing work highlights Indonesia’s proactive stance in addressing global development challenges, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting a more inclusive leadership landscape within multilateral organizations.
