Minster of Tourism changed in Indonesia

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced changes in a highly anticipated Cabinet reshuffle today, replacing several ministers in a move that many saw as aimed more at salvaging his sliding popularity.

Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu was appointed tourism and creative economies minister, while former tourism minister Jero Wacik was moved to the energy and mineral resources.

Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu was the former trade minister and internationally respected. She oversaw strong export growth, but clashed with agriculture and fisheries ministers over the effect of imports and domestic industries.

This move drew criticism by Professor Iberamsyah, who teaches political science at the University of Indonesia. He said:" There are so many irregularities, many mismatches. " "Most will see the drip-fed reshuffle for what it is - change made to achieve certain internal political aims rather than anything more ambitious", said Mr. Hames Bryson of fund management firm PT HB Capital Indonesia.

Source - eturbonews