Sri Mulyani Ousted in Sudden Shake-Up of Indonesia’s Cabinet

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s long-serving Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati was abruptly dismissed on Sept 8 while chairing a meeting, after receiving a sudden call from President Prabowo Subianto’s office, sources said. Widely respected for her cautious economic stewardship, she had been seen as a moderating force on Mr Prabowo’s ambitious spending agenda. Within an hour, the government announced her replacement by economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. The new minister, known for criticizing the International Monetary Fund as “stupid” earlier this year, argued Indonesia fared better without IMF involvement. Markets are closely watching policy direction following the unexpected shake-up.

Sri Mulyani

Dr Sri Mulyani’s removal followed two weeks of violent protests over legislators’ allowances and broader spending issues. New Finance Minister Purbaya downplayed the unrest as minority dissent, vowing to focus on growth and jobs.

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