Track Record of Destry Damayanti, from Economist to First Woman to Lead Bank Indonesia

The change of leadership at Bank Indonesia has entered a new chapter. Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives approved Destry Damayanti as the elected Governor of Bank Indonesia for the 2026-2031 period after she underwent a fit and proper test. The decision not only places Destry as the new leader of the central bank but also makes history as she becomes the first woman to be definitively elected as Governor of Bank Indonesia. Before reaching this position, Destry had extensive experience in the economic, banking, financial market and public policy sectors.

Destry is known as an economist who has long been involved in the financial world. Her career began in research and later developed into the banking sector and economic policy institutions. She previously worked at Citibank Indonesia and then became Senior Economic Advisor to the British Ambassador. Her experience in the financial market continued when she was entrusted as Chief Economist of Mandiri Sekuritas and Chief Economist of Bank Mandiri. This track record gave Destry experience from various sides of the economy, both as an economist, analyst and policy maker. She also joined the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation before entering the leadership ranks of Bank Indonesia.

Destry began serving as Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia in 2019. She was again entrusted to carry out the position for the following period. As Senior Deputy Governor, Destry was involved in various strategic policies of the central bank. This position also placed her close to various issues related to monetary stability and the financial system. This experience became capital when there was a change in Bank Indonesia leadership in July 2026. Perry Warjiyo voluntarily resigned from the position of Governor of Bank Indonesia for personal reasons on 25 July 2026. After the resignation, Destry was entrusted as Acting Governor of Bank Indonesia. Subsequently, President Prabowo Subianto nominated Destry as the sole candidate for Governor of Bank Indonesia to the House of Representatives through a Presidential Letter.

Commission XI of the House of Representatives then held a fit and proper test for Destry on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. A day later, Commission XI held an internal meeting to determine the decision on all candidates for the Bank Indonesia Board of Governors.