ASIATODAY.ID, MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Indonesian economist and development finance expert Wempi Saputra as Vice-President for Sectors and Themes, strengthening Indonesia’s growing presence in global development leadership.
Saputra will serve a three-year term and is expected to assume office in September 2026, succeeding Vice-President Fatima Yasmin. In his new position, he will oversee ADB’s Sectors Departments, the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, and the Office of Business Intelligence and Operations Coordination.
ADB President Masato Kanda said Saputra’s extensive experience and leadership would be valuable as Asia faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.
“Wempi Saputra brings the experience, judgment, and leadership we need at a time when our members are facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” Kanda said.
He highlighted the growing need for practical and high-quality development solutions in areas such as energy security, digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and sustainable economic growth.
Three Decades of Economic Leadership
With more than 30 years of experience in development finance, economic governance, international cooperation, and institutional reform, Saputra has played an important role in Indonesia’s economic policymaking and global engagement.
He previously held several senior positions in the Indonesian government, including Assistant Minister for Macroeconomic Policy and International Finance, Indonesia’s G20 Finance Deputy during the 2022 G20 Presidency, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance, Director of the Center for Policy Analysis and Harmonization, and Chief Change Management Officer at the Central Transformation Office.
Saputra currently serves as Executive Director for the Southeast Asia Voting Group on the World Bank Group Board of Directors, representing 11 countries.
He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) from 2021 to 2022, contributing to discussions on regional infrastructure financing and development cooperation.
Strengthening Asia’s Future Development Agenda
Saputra’s appointment comes at a critical time as countries across Asia accelerate efforts to achieve sustainable growth, strengthen climate resilience, expand digital transformation, and build more inclusive economies.
At ADB, he will help guide sectoral strategies and development priorities as the region navigates economic transitions and emerging global challenges.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. The institution is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region, and works with governments and partners through innovative financing and strategic cooperation.
For Indonesia, Saputra’s appointment represents another milestone in the country’s expanding role within international economic institutions.
His leadership at ADB is expected to further strengthen Indonesia’s contribution to shaping regional development policies and advancing cooperation across Asia-Pacific.
As Indonesia continues to deepen its engagement in global economic governance, the appointment of its leading experts to international institutions reflects the country’s rising influence in shaping Asia’s future. (AT Network)
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