Presidential Spokesperson Denies Rumors of Finance Minister Purbaya's Replacement
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Rumors circulated on social media suggesting Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa would be replaced by Chatib Basri.
- The rumors gained traction among stock market investors frustrated with the weakening Indonesian Rupiah and Jakarta Composite Index.
- Presidential Secretary Prasetyo Hadi denied any reshuffle plans, stating the government is focused on stabilizing the Rupiah and boosting the economy.
Social media, particularly the X platform, has been abuzz with rumors of a potential reshuffle in Indonesia's cabinet, specifically concerning the Finance Minister position. Speculation suggested that Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa might be replaced by Chatib Basri, a member of the National Economic Council.
The rumors appear to have been fueled by frustration among some stock market investors who have blamed Minister Purbaya for the recent decline in the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG). These investors reportedly coordinated efforts on X to spread the news of a potential replacement.
However, Presidential Secretary Prasetyo Hadi firmly denied these rumors. Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, Hadi stated unequivocally that there are no plans for a cabinet reshuffle. "There is no reshuffle. There is no plan for that, not yet," he asserted.
There is no reshuffle. There is no plan for that, not yet.
Hadi emphasized that the government, including the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), is currently focused on a coordinated effort to manage the weakening Indonesian Rupiah against the US dollar. He expressed the need for synergy to halt the Rupiah's decline and encourage a rebound, alongside efforts to stabilize the stock market.
Despite the economic challenges, Hadi urged the public to remain optimistic. He stated that key economic indicators demonstrate the underlying strength and stability of Indonesia's national economy.
We, the government, including the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, and the Financial Services Authority, are continuously coordinating intensely to monitor and take action.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.