J. B. Sumarlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. B. Sumarlin
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| Chair of the Audit Board of Indonesia | |
| In office 1993–1998 |
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| President | Suharto |
| Preceded by | M. Jusuf |
| Succeeded by | Satrio Budihardjo Joedono |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 21 March 1988 – 17 March 1993 |
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| President | Suharto |
| Preceded by | Radius Prawiro |
| Succeeded by | Mar'ie Muhammad |
| Head of National Development Planning Agency | |
| In office 19 March 1983 – 21 March 1988 |
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| President | Suharto |
| Preceded by | Widjojo Nitisastro |
| Succeeded by | Saleh Afiff |
| Minister of State for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform | |
| In office 28 March 1973 – 19 March 1983 |
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| President | Suharto |
| Preceded by | Emil Salim |
| Succeeded by | Saleh Afiff |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Johannes Baptista Sumarlin
7 December 1932 Nglegok, Blitar, Dutch East Indies |
| Died | 6 February 2020 (aged 87) Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Spouse | Theresia Sudarmi (m. 1961) |
| Children | Five |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | University of Indonesia |
Johannes Baptista Sumarlin (born December 7, 1932 – died February 6, 2020) was a very important Indonesian economist. He held many big jobs in the Indonesian government, especially in finance and planning. He worked in these roles for many years, from the 1970s until the late 1990s. Sumarlin was sometimes linked to a group of economic advisors called the "Berkeley Mafia". This group included other top economists like Widjojo Nitisastro and Emil Salim.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Johannes Baptista Sumarlin was born in Nglegok, Blitar, which was then part of the Dutch East Indies. He started his higher education at the University of Indonesia (FEUI), graduating in 1958. After that, he continued his studies in the United States. He earned a master's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1960. Later, he completed his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968.
After finishing his first degree, Sumarlin worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Indonesia. He became a lecturer in 1965 and a professor in 1979. Before his government career, he also worked for an industrial company in Jakarta. During earlier times of struggle in Indonesia, he helped out with the Indonesian Red Cross. He also served as a recruit in the Indonesian armed forces in East Java.
For his dedicated service, Sumarlin received high honors. In 1973, he was given the Mahaputra Utama star, which is one of Indonesia's highest awards. Two years later, he received the Grand Cross in the Order of Leopold II from the Belgian government. In his free time, Sumarlin loved sports, especially tennis and jogging. He was married to Theresia Sudarmi, and they had five children.
A Young Advisor
Around 1969, when the new government of President Soeharto was just starting, Sumarlin was the Deputy Minister of the Indonesian National Planning Agency (Bappenas). He often went with his boss, Professor Widjojo Nitisastro, to important Cabinet meetings. During one meeting, the Cabinet Secretary, Sudharmono, noticed Sumarlin. He asked, "Who is the boy sitting there, Widjojo?" Professor Widjojo then introduced Sumarlin. Sudharmono remembered that Widjojo had mentioned building a team for the National Planning Agency.
After this, Sumarlin felt a bit shy about attending Cabinet meetings. He knew that only a few people were usually allowed, and their names had to be given to the Cabinet Secretary beforehand. But Professor Widjojo encouraged Sumarlin to keep coming. This proved to be a good idea, because over time, Sumarlin became one of President Soeharto's most trusted economic advisors.
While working as Deputy Chair of Bappenas, Sumarlin helped a lot with government reforms. He worked closely with Cabinet Secretary Sudharmono. For example, he was often involved in preparing important documents for the President's yearly speech to parliament. He also helped review how the government bought goods and equipment.
Experience in Government
Even though he was modest and known for his friendly smile, Sumarlin became a very effective minister. He worked during the period of the New Order government in Indonesia. From 1970 to 1998, he played a big role in guiding Indonesia's economic and financial policies. Along with Professor Widjojo and other ministers, Sumarlin was a key advisor to President Soeharto on economic matters.
Key Roles
- Secretary to the Indonesian Monetary Board (1970–1973): In this role, he helped manage Indonesia's money and banking system.
- Minister of State for Administrative Control (1973–1983): For ten years, he worked to improve how the government was run.
- State Minister for National Development Planning and Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) (1983–1988): Here, he led the planning for Indonesia's development. During this time, he also briefly served as interim Minister of Finance and Minister of Education & Culture.
- Minister of Finance (1988–1993): This was a very important role where he managed the country's money and budget. He served in the Fifth Development Cabinet.
- Chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (1993–1998): This was his last major government position. In this role, he oversaw how government money was spent, making sure everything was correct.
Career Highlights
Education Journey
- Elementary School I, Blitar (finished 1944)
- Junior High School, Kediri and Yogyakarta (finished 1947)
- High School, Yogyakarta and Jakarta (finished 1952)
- Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia (graduated 1958)
- University of California, Berkeley, USA (Master's degree, 1960)
- University of Pittsburgh, USA (Doctorate degree, 1968)
Important Positions Held
- Assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia (UI) (1957)
- Lecturer and later Professor of Economics UI (1960–present)
- Secretary of the Monetary Board (1970–1973)
- Deputy Head of Bappenas for Fiscal and Monetary Affairs (1970–1973)
- Member of the Assembly (1972–1988)
- Vice Chairman of National Development Planning Agency (1973–1982)
- Chairman Opstib, also Minister of State for Administrative Control (1973–1983)
- Minister of State for National Development Planning, also Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency (1983–1988)
- Education Minister (interim) (1985)
- Finance Minister of Development Cabinet V (1988–1993)
- Chairman of the CPC (Supreme Audit Agency) (1993–1998)
- Chairman (Independent) Asuransi Ramayana Tbk. (ASRM)
