Chatib Basri Denies Discussing Finance Minister Post During Meeting with Prabowo
National Economic Council (DEN) member Muhammad Chatib Basri has denied any discussion with President Prabowo Subianto regarding the position of Finance Minister. Chatib Basri’s name has been touted as a candidate for State Treasurer to replace Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
The denial was conveyed by Chatib Basri after meeting President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, within the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. Chatib stated that the day’s agenda was solely to discuss the current economic situation. “There was none. Come on… we discussed the economy,” Chatib said when asked if he was summoned to talk about the Finance Minister post.
The issue of Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa leaving the position of Finance Minister has been heavily circulating on social media recently. Reshuffle rumours have surfaced amidst the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate against the United States dollar. Media personnel then attempted to confirm the issue of an offer for him to fill the Finance Minister position. However, the former Finance Minister from the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono only laughed briefly and replied, “Thank you.”
The meeting at the Palace with President Prabowo was also attended by DEN Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, along with other DEN members, Septian Hario Seto and Mochammad Firman Hidayat. During the agenda, Chatib Basri provided a special report related to the development of the macroeconomic situation. “We also conveyed that one of the important issues that must be considered is the possibility of the risk of rising prices that could occur as a result of the rupiah’s weakening,” Chatib said after the meeting with President Prabowo.
On Monday, 8 June 2026, the rupiah currency depreciated to breach the level of Rp 18,201 per United States dollar for the first time in history. According to Chatib, the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar has a direct impact on the lower middle class. The Economic Council therefore provided advice for confidence in the government to grow again, including through budget efficiency efforts in projects consuming large budgets, such as the free nutritious meal programme.
“What must be done includes fostering confidence and trust in the government. One of these is the steps taken in budget efficiency, including in relation to the MBG [free nutritious meal programme],” Chatib stated.