August Reshuffle: Experts Highlight Proposal to Replace Civilian Deputy Defence Minister

The discourse surrounding a reshuffle of the Merah Putih Cabinet is predicted to materialise in August 2026. The position expected to be filled is that of Deputy Minister of Defence, left vacant by Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto after his inauguration as Governor of the University of the Republic of Indonesia. The name Norman Joesoef has suddenly been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Deputy Minister of Defence post. The CEO of Republikorp is known to have a track record in the defence industry, having been involved in defence equipment exports since 2013. Nevertheless, the decision on the appointment rests with the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Intelligence and defence analyst Wawan H Purwanto assessed that the replacement of the Deputy Minister of Defence must be viewed as the full authority of the President to select the most trusted figure. According to him, the trust factor cannot be separated from capability when determining the figure who will assist the Minister of Defence. “The replacement of the Deputy Minister of Defence position is the President’s prerogative right to obtain the most trusted figure. The ideal parameters used are the trust factor and capability in the defence sector to ensure the achievement of national interests and security,” Wawan told the media in Jakarta on Sunday.