Chatib Basri Denies Being Offered Finance Minister Post

Chatib Basri, a member of the National Economic Council (DEN) and senior economist, has denied rumours that he was offered the position of Finance Minister following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.

He explained that his meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace Complex on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, was focused on economic issues. “There was none (offered Finance Minister). We were discussing the economy,” Chatib told journalists at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.

Chatib explained that he was part of a forum with the DEN to discuss the economic situation with Prabowo. However, when asked about the DEN’s input regarding the weakening of the rupiah, he did not elaborate further, stating, “It was already presented there. Thank you.”

Previously, it was reported that former Finance Minister Chatib Basri was seen at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. According to observations, Chatib arrived at approximately 15:35 WIB wearing a yellow shirt.

His arrival at the Palace coincided with the arrival of the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. Chatib admitted his visit to the Palace was to meet President Prabowo Subianto.

When asked what he would discuss with President Prabowo, he directed the media to ask Luhut, stating, “Ask Mr Luhut. He is right there, in the crowd.”

Chatib also declined to comment when his name was heavily circulated as a candidate for Finance Minister to replace Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, simply stating, “I do not know.”