Thomas Djiwandono Affirms Strong Banking Resilience Against External Pressures in Maiden BI Board Meeting

Jakarta — In his maiden appearance at Bank Indonesia’s Board of Governors Meeting (RDG), Deputy Governor Thomas Djiwandono affirmed that the banking sector’s resilience remains strong against external pressure scenarios, as demonstrated by liquidity stress test results.

“Liquidity stress tests have been conducted by the Department of Macroprudential, Monetary, and Market Surveillance (DSMM), showing banking resilience against external pressure scenarios,” Thomas said during a press teleconference on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

He also reported that the central bank is preparing further coordination with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the narrative around Indonesia’s economic growth, which will be communicated to investors and credit rating agencies.

The coordination involves the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, Danantara, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), with the aim of building a unified narrative on economic growth specifically tailored for investors.

“As well as for credit rating agencies that will be visiting in due course,” he said.

Thomas was officially inaugurated as BI Deputy Governor for the 2026–2031 term on 9 February 2026. He had previously undergone a fit and proper test before Commission XI of the House of Representatives on 26 January 2026 and was elected Deputy Governor on the same day.

Thomas previously served as Vice Minister of Finance from 18 July 2024, a role he held from the administration of seventh President Joko Widodo through to the era of President Prabowo Subianto.

Meanwhile, Juda Agung submitted his resignation as BI Deputy Governor to the President, effective from 13 January 2026. Juda Agung has since taken up the position of Vice Minister of Finance following his inauguration on 5 February 2026.

During a press conference on 28 January 2026, Thomas stated that he would take on a communications role without diminishing the central bank’s independence.

He explained that the role he envisaged was similar to the one he performed at the Ministry of Finance. At the start of his assignment at the state treasury, he helped the Ministry of Finance under President Joko Widodo prepare the budget for the incoming president’s administration.