Indonesia Leader Installs Loyalists, Vows Action After Deadly Protests
UPDATE: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has just announced major cabinet changes, removing five ministers—including respected finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati—in a swift attempt to restore public trust following deadly protests last month. This urgent reshuffle comes in the wake of riots that left at least 10 dead and hundreds detained, spurred by outrage over low wages and police violence.
The unrest erupted after footage surfaced of a paramilitary police vehicle running over 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, igniting widespread demonstrations against lawmakers’ lavish perks. Experts say this is a pivotal moment for Prabowo, who is working to quell public anger while consolidating his political power by installing loyalists in key positions.
In a bold move, new finance chief Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has pledged to inject an unprecedented $12 billion into the economy, aiming to spur growth and calm the rising tide of discontent. Political analysts suggest that Prabowo’s focus on major social projects, including a free meal initiative, is now more critical than ever as public dissatisfaction grows.
“We can read this as damage control after the wave of public anger,” stated Rani Septyarini from the Center of Economic and Law Studies. The reshuffle also marks a strategic shift as Prabowo replaces officials linked to his predecessor, Joko Widodo, with individuals from his inner circle.
Prabowo, who surged to victory in the October 2022 election, had maintained a high approval rating of over 80 percent until the recent protests, which saw mobs burning buildings and looting homes of politicians. “The public has a legitimate problem with this administration,” noted political analyst Airlangga Pribadi Kusman.
Despite the urgency of the situation, experts warn that merely reshuffling personnel is insufficient to address deeper issues like the widening wealth gap and weakening democracy in Indonesia. “What we need is the determination from the president, a political will, and real progress,” said Airlangga.
As Prabowo’s government moves forward, the effectiveness of his newly appointed officials remains uncertain. While Indrawati had extensive experience with the World Bank and IMF, Purbaya is a relatively unknown figure whose competence has yet to be proven. Their ability to bring tangible improvements to the lives of everyday Indonesians will be closely scrutinized.
“We are watching to see if these changes will lead to genuine progress,” said Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a political analyst. He added that if the government fails to address critical social issues, further protests could erupt, potentially leading to a “time bomb” scenario.
As the situation develops, Prabowo is calling on the public to restore their confidence in his administration. His administration’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether Indonesia can stabilize after this wave of unrest. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
