Sri Mulyani and her husband, Tommy, speaking with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the first lady, Ani, at the State Palace. (JG Photo)
Though the politicking she had to deal with throughout her term followed her to her final day, Sri Mulyani Indrawati had the small reward of a warm, emotional send-off from her staff, reporters and even some lawmakers.
After leading the National Awakening Day ceremony at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, Sri Mulyani walked to her car surrounded by ministry officials and staff members with rose bouquets, congratulatory messages and shouted hopes that she would be back in 2014 to run for the presidency.
Ministry spokesman Harry Soeratin said the office had never before had such an emotional parting with a minister.
“I am sure the professionalism and integrity my officials have shown will be continued,” Sri Mulyani said. “I am proud and touched by their spirit and determination.”
Boycotted, Once More
Her day was marred, however, at the House of Representatives, where she presented the budget for next year.
The chamber that has given her much grief over most of the past year — investigating her for authorizing the bailout of Bank Century, calling for her dismissal, staging walkouts during meetings with her — was largely empty, with legislators pleading other engagements or boycotting the event to continue their outrage.
No lawmakers from the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) were present, while some from the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura) walked out as soon as Sri Mulyani walked in.
“We’re consistent in our stance toward Bank Century. Personally, we don’t have any problems with Sri Mulyani,” Hanura faction head Ahmad Fauzi told House Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso, who led the plenary session.
PDI-P’s Emir Moeis said they did not walk out but only refused to attend.
“This action was not commanded by our faction leader, but each of us is aware of the party’s stance,” Emir said.
The boycott was true to the party’s position that the House recommendation finding the Century bailout illegal needed to be respected. “If not us, then who would respect the House’s decision and the House as an institution?” he said.
Other than that, Emir said, the PDI-P had no personal problems with Sri Mulyani, whom he called a good and capable public figure who performed well as finance minister.
Few Democratic Party lawmakers were in attendance, with the party busy preparing for its national congress, which starts today.
The estimated 100 legislators present — compared with the 240 who signed the attendance book — applauded Sri Mulyani as she began her final presentation to the House.
Farewell to Lawmakers
In her speech, Sri Mulyani said she wanted to apologize to the House for their past differences.
Sri Mulyani Indrawati bidding farewell to members of the House of Representatives. As departing finance minister, she delivered the government’s statement on fiscal policies in a plenary session of the House, but only about 100 lawmakers attended. (JG Photo/Yudhi Sukma Wijaya)
“In today’s meeting, I ask members to forgive [my mistakes] and please let me say goodbye,” she said to applause. “With relief, hope, we walk along our own destined paths. We all work together for the nation.
“I would like to apologize to all of you, to make it easier for me to start my new duty [as World Bank managing director]. Whatever I did, I did it for the good of the nation.”
Sri Mulyani said she and the House had had their ups and downs in trying to decide what was best for the nation. “Even though there were differences, the overall cooperation was good, in my opinion,” she said.
She said she was happy with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s choice for her replacement. “I think the new minister has the leadership skills needed to continue on with the reform efforts and overall program in the ministry,” Sri Mulyani said.
Those present gave a standing ovation as she ended her final speech in front of the House as finance minister.
“Give it up for Sri Mulyani Indrawati, presidential candidate for the 2014 election!” one House member shouted, as she shook hands with others.
She was not bothered by the boycott, she said later. “It’s a decision that must be respected.”
Good-Luck Charm
At the State Palace, where she went next to attend the inauguration ceremony of her successor, Sri Mulyani said warm and amicable goodbyes.
Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo and Deputy Finance Ministry Anny Ratnawati, right, were inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday. JG Photo/ Yudhi Sukma Wijaya
She was glimpsed briefly mingling with the president and his wife, then she struck up what appeared to be a good-luck conversation with her successor, Agus Martowardojo, including a friendly pat on the back.
Before she entered the dining hall to join other ministers, the woman who has been the center of media attention the past few months spent a few moments taking pictures with reporters.
As she was leaving, reporters walked her to her car, which no longer bore the RI 20 plate. All wished her luck, with screams of “2014, bu!”
Tearful Goodbye
Back at the ministry, the iron lady finally shed tears when giving a speech as she handed over the reins to Agus.
The respected economist, who next month will be overseeing dozens of nations in her new role at the World Bank, proved it is possible for her to break her usual calm when she thanked her husband and children.
“Everything I have done for Indonesia, I could not have done it without support from my husband, Tony Sumartono,” she said, her eyes brimming. “I also would like to thank my children for being my source of power.”
Then came the tears.
“I can cry now because I am no longer finance minister, as the minister is not allowed to cry as it would shake the rupiah. So it’s an expression of relief,” she said.
The former minister ended by thanking the journalists who had covered her every move. “For friends who work in the media, I thank you, for the media has been my partner and has reminded me all the way to always give it my best. I may have disappointed you several times, but know that I had always given it my best,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
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