Claims that Purbaya Asked Foreign Investors to Leave Indonesia are False, Says Finance Ministry
Claims that Purbaya Asked Foreign Investors to Leave Indonesia are False, Says Finance Ministry
Jakarta – Investment climate stability has once again come under scrutiny following widespread reports on social media regarding statements allegedly made by Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. The viral narrative claims that Purbaya encouraged foreign investors to seek opportunities in other countries if they disagreed with Indonesian government policies.
This information sparked diverse public reactions, coinciding with ongoing debates surrounding several new regulations affecting the business and investment sectors. One notable issue is the concerns raised by some Chinese entrepreneurs regarding Indonesian government policies, particularly concerning export proceeds and levies on the mining sector.
However, the government has confirmed that the reports about Purbaya’s statements are untrue. The Ministry of Finance, through its Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID), affirmed that the circulating information is false.
“The news circulating regarding Minister Purbaya’s statement encouraging foreign investors to seek opportunities in other countries if they disagree with Indonesian policies, in response to an open letter from the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (CCCI) to the President of the Republic of Indonesia regarding various investment obstacles in Indonesia, is false,” stated the Ministry of Finance, as quoted on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The Ministry of Finance also urged the public to exercise caution when receiving or sharing unverified information, especially if it is attributed to state officials. “The public is expected to be vigilant against the spread of false news attributed to Minister Purbaya,” the statement added.
Previously, the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia was reported to have sent a letter to President Prabowo Subianto. The letter contained several points regarding the investment challenges faced by Chinese companies in Indonesia.
One of the main issues raised was the planned regulation on retaining Export Proceeds (DHE) from Natural Resources (SDA). In the circulated letter, Chinese entrepreneurs expressed their objection to the requirement to deposit 50 percent of export proceeds in state-owned banks for at least one year.
According to them, this policy could reduce the financial flexibility of companies and potentially hinder long-term business operations. In addition to the DHE SDA policy, Chinese entrepreneurs also highlighted the planned increase in royalty rates for mineral and coal commodities, as well as export duties.