Burhanuddin Abdullah
Burhanuddin Abdullah | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10, 1947 |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, central banker, government minister |
| Years active | 1970s–2010s |
| Known for | Governor of Bank Indonesia (2003–2008), Coordinating Minister for Economics, Finance and Industry (2001) |
Burhanuddin Abdullah (born 10 July 1947) held the position of Governor of Bank Indonesia from 2003 until 2008 and briefly occupied the role of Coordinating Minister for Economics, Finance and Industry in 2001. His term concluded after a corruption conviction in 2008.
Education
In 1974, Burhanuddin completed his degree in agriculture at Padjadjaran University, followed by a Master of Arts in economics from Michigan State University in 1984.
Early career
Burhanuddin began his career at Bank Indonesia in the late 1970s, progressing through several significant positions, such as:
- 1979: Staff member in Management of General Credit
- 1984: Staff, General Economics Section within Research and Statistics
- 1986: Staff to Bank Indonesia’s Governor
- 1991: Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund, representing countries from the Southeast Asia Group
- 1994: Head of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, External Affairs
- 1995: Deputy Head of External Affairs
- 1996: Deputy Head of Monetary and Economic Research
- 1998: Director of External Affairs Directorate
- 2000: Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia
These appointments placed him in key roles within Indonesia’s central banking system and international economic diplomacy.
Ministerial appointment
Prior to his governorship at Bank Indonesia, Burhanuddin undertook senior economic responsibilities within the Indonesian government. He briefly acted as Coordinating Minister for Economics, Finance and Industry under President Abdurrahman Wahid’s National Unity Cabinet from 12 June to 9 August 2001. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Indonesian Economic Scholars Association (Ikatan Sarjana Ekonomi Indonesia).
His nomination for Governor of Bank Indonesia was presented by President Megawati Sukarnoputri in early 2003, with approval granted by the People's Consultative Assembly. Megawati proposed three candidates: Burhanuddin alongside two other senior Bank Indonesia officials, Miranda Goeltom and Cyrillus Harinowo.
Later developments
In April 2008, Burhanuddin faced arrest on charges related to the improper use of Bank Indonesia funds and subsequently received a five-year prison sentence. After serving two years, he was released in March 2010. Post-release, he engaged actively in community initiatives, offering lectures on policy and management to various professional groups and academic institutions throughout Indonesia.