Positive Coffee Blog

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked central bank`s board of governors and authorities here on Tuesday to continue maintaining and improving the bank`s image.

"Continue to develop the image of Bank Indonesia as a strong, modern and quality bank," he said when dedicating the Museum of Bank Indonesia in the downtown area in West Jakarta.

The head of state said the effort could be done by among others informing the public with regard to what the bank had done and others related to its activity.

"Bank Indonesia has existed since July 1, 1953 as a central bank. This institution is vital for national economy. Every step it takes affects directly or indirectly the national economy," he said.

President Yudhoyono hoped the museum renovated since 2003 could be developed not only for tourism but also research purposes.

"We must be able to appreciate the service of the heroes. We must never forget various historical events in the past but must be able to learn a lesson from them. In view of that the presence of the museum is very important and strategic," he said.

He asked the management to keep developing the museum by among others increasing its collections.

Bank Indonesia acting governor Miranda S Goeltom said the museum had been renovated since 2003 and opened partly for the public since 2006 while conservation had been carried out from 2007 to 2008.

"BI has a task of implementing monetary policy and maintaining smooth implementation of payment system. Its policy affects national economy and therefore the bank is responsible to give information to the public," she said.

The ceremony was attended by first lady Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, former BI governors Rahmat Saleh, Arifin Siregar and Boediono. Also present at the event were acting coordinating minister for the economy Sri Mulyani Indrawati, minister/state secretary Hatta Rajasa, cabinet secretary Sudi Silalahi, Jakarta vice governor Prijanto and other officials.(*)

antara