Soedradjad misses briefing

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)