Managing Uncertainty

MARI ELKA PANGESTU WAS APPOINTED AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT THE WORLD BANK FACING A CHALLENGING TIME. HER EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ON DEVELOPMENT ISSUES ARE URGENTLY NEEDED.

- Ulisari Eslita

AFTER GRADUATING from the University of California, Davis in 1986, Mari Elka Pangestu (63) remembers telling her father that she did not want to go back to Indonesia. She planned to stay in the United States and work at the World Bank. Mari’s father Prof. J.E. Pangestu, a renowned economist, disapproved of his daughter’s plans.

“Why do you want to work at the World Bank and help other countries, while your country needs you more? You have to come back and help your country first!” says Mari, recalling her father’s statement.

Life comes with its twists and turns. In January, World Bank Group president David Malpass appointed Mari as managing director of development policy and partnerships for the international financial institution. In his statement, David highlighted her extensive leadership experience and engagement in key international forums on crucial development issues. The appointment makes her the second Indonesian woman to be posted to such a strategic position after Sri Mulyani Indrawati. For Mari personally, the appointment is a dream came true.

“After 30 years, I finally landed at the World Bank. My father in heaven probably thinks now is the right time for me to work there, after 30 years working for development in Indonesia,” she laughs.

Mari was the first Chinese-Indonesian woman minister in Indonesia. She served as Trade Minister (2004-2011) and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister (2011-2014). Over time, Mari has accrued vast experience in academic, international organization, and government spheres. She has worked in areas related to international trade, investment and development in multilateral, regional, and national settings.