Soedradjad misses briefing

JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono missed the 1998/1999 budget briefing to journalists at the Ministry of Information office.

Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff and Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono felt it necessary to explain Soedradjad's whereabouts to prevent further speculation in the currency market.

"The governor of Bank Indonesia cannot attend this briefing because he is having minor knee surgery abroad. We need to explain the state of the health of the governor to prevent rumors being spread by irresponsible parties," Afiff said.

Boediono, a Bank Indonesia director, stood in for Soedradjad yesterday.

Moerdiono said Soedradjad would also miss last night's unveiling of the state budget by President Soeharto at the House of Representatives. (rid)