Just in: Reasons President Removed Finance Minister, Four Others in Surprise Cabinet shake up

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed five ministers in an unexpected cabinet shake-up, following weeks of nationwide unrest fueled by economic hardship and public anger over political privilege.

The reshuffle, announced on Monday, comes in the wake of mass demonstrations that began in late August after revelations that all 580 members of parliament were receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075)—almost ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.

The protests, which escalated into violent clashes, left at least seven people dead, according to police reports. The National Commission on Human Rights placed the death toll at 10 and accused security forces of using excessive force.

Among those removed was Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a widely respected technocrat with previous senior roles at the IMF and World Bank. She was replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation and a seasoned economic adviser.

At his first press briefing, Sadewa, 61, vowed to boost growth and improve the efficiency of state spending while maintaining the country’s fiscal stability.

Other ministers affected by the purge were in charge of politics and security, cooperatives, youth and sports, and migrant worker protection.

Public anger intensified following the death of 21-year-old motorcycle courier Affan Kurniawan, who was struck and killed by an armored police vehicle while delivering food during the protests. His death rallied many young workers struggling with high unemployment and low-paying gig jobs.

Security forces cracked down with riot gear, water cannons, and tear gas, even storming university campuses. President Prabowo defended the response, insisting police must act firmly against demonstrations he claimed bore “signs of treason and terrorism.” Activists, however, continued their protests, targeting government buildings and even the residence of the ousted finance minister.

In recent days, tensions have eased after Prabowo revoked lawmakers’ housing allowances and suspended most official overseas trips. Still, the unrest has deepened concerns about the growing influence of the military under Prabowo, a former special forces commander once banned from entering the United States.