Chatib Basri and Budi Gunadi Sadikin Deny Being Offered Finance Minister Post by Prabowo

Two figures touted as potential replacements for Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, senior economist Chatib Basri and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, have spoken out. Both were seen meeting President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace on Tuesday (9/6/2026). Chatib Basri arrived alongside the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut B. Panjaitan. Chatib stated that his meeting with the President was to provide an update on the current state of the Indonesian economy. He stressed that the President did not make any offer regarding the post of state treasurer. ‘There was none (no offer to become finance minister). We were just discussing the economy,’ Chatib told reporters at the palace. The former Finance Minister from the SBY era also clarified reports suggesting he was in a joint forum with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who was also present at the State Palace. According to him, the meeting he attended was solely with the National Economic Council. ‘Oh, there was no discussion with BGS. I was just with the DEN,’ he said. Meanwhile, Budi Gunadi Sadikin gave a brief response to reporters regarding rumours that he is a candidate for finance minister. ‘Those are your words,’ he said after meeting the President. He affirmed that he is still serving as Health Minister and has received no offer for another post. ‘I am still the Health Minister for now,’ he asserted before leaving. The names of both men have been circulating since late last week, when the rupiah and the JCI came under pressure. The Palace has already confirmed the status of these rumours. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi asserted that no replacement will be made for the Finance Minister position. ‘There is no plan to replace the Finance Minister,’ he said at the DPR.