Biography
Sri Mulyani Indrawati, born on 26 August 1962 in Lampung, Indonesia, is an Indonesian economist who has served as Minister of Finance under three different presidents, making her an important figure in Indonesian political and economic history. She graduated from the University of Indonesia and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, forming the basis of her knowledge in public finance and economic policy.
She first became Finance Minister in 2005 during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's term. She was recognized for strengthening Indonesia's economy and guiding it through the 2008 global financial crisis and the following Great Recession. Her efforts during this time increased foreign investments and helped stabilize Southeast Asia's largest economy amid global economic challenges. However, she faced significant criticism for supporting the controversial Bank Century bailout in 2008, which cost the government Rp6.76 trillion, leading to a non-confidence vote by the Indonesian House of Representatives.
After resigning in 2010, Sri Mulyani joined the World Bank as Managing Director, where she influenced international economic policy and development finance. Her expertise in public finance and crisis management made her a valuable member of the World Bank's leadership during a key period of global economic recovery.
She returned to Indonesian politics in 2016 when President Joko Widodo appointed her as Finance Minister once again. This appointment was well-received, and she regained much of her popularity after the Bank Century issue. Her second term included various economic reforms and budget policies, though she later faced criticism for some tax policies and budgeting decisions. During the August-September 2025 protests, her home in South Tangerang was targeted during civil unrest, and she was replaced as Finance Minister by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa on 8 September 2025.
Before Fame
Born in Lampung province, Sri Mulyani pursued her education during a time of major economic change in Indonesia under the New Order regime. She studied at the University of Indonesia and then at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on economics in the 1980s and early 1990s.
This was a time when Indonesia was growing rapidly and becoming more connected to the global economy. There was a demand for skilled economists and policy makers, allowing professionals like Sri Mulyani, with strong academic backgrounds, to step into public service roles and help with national economic planning and financial management.
Key Achievements
- Successfully steered Indonesia through the 2008 global financial crisis as Finance Minister
- Served as Managing Director of the World Bank from 2010-2016
- Named Euromoney Finance Minister of the Year in 2006
- Became the first Indonesian to serve as Finance Minister under three consecutive presidents
- Listed multiple times on Forbes' The World's 100 Most Powerful Women
Did You Know?
- 01.She is the first person in Indonesian history to serve as Finance Minister under three different consecutive presidents
- 02.Her home in South Tangerang was targeted by looters during the August-September 2025 protests
- 03.The Bank Century bailout she supported in 2008 cost exactly Rp6.76 trillion, equivalent to $737 million at the time
- 04.She worked at the World Bank as Managing Director between her two stints as Indonesia's Finance Minister
- 05.She was named to Forbes' list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times throughout her career
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women | 2014 | — |
| Euromoney Finance Minister of the Year | 2006 | — |
| Asia's Most Influential Indonesia | 2021 | — |