Prabowo: I Do Not Need Pessimistic People Around Me

President Prabowo Subianto has stated he does not require pessimistic individuals in his immediate circle. The Head of State made this statement during an exclusive interview with international media outlet Bloomberg at his private residence in Hambalang, West Java, last weekend.

During the interview, Prabowo explained his rationale for selecting Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as Finance Minister to replace Sri Mulyani Indrawati. According to Prabowo, many had recommended Purbaya for inclusion in the Red-White Cabinet.

At some point, Prabowo attended a seminar also attended by Purbaya. “He gave a presentation. And I thought, hey, this person knows what he is talking about,” Prabowo said, according to Bloomberg’s report.

For Prabowo, Purbaya represents an optimistic figure. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party stated he indeed wanted to have such individuals in his cabinet circle.

“He is optimistic. He is enthusiastic. And I need optimistic people, you know? I do not need pessimistic people around me. That is not my nature,” he said.

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was inaugurated as Finance Minister by President Prabowo on 8 September 2025, replacing Sri Mulyani Indrawati. Purbaya previously served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

Prabowo also felt his decision to appoint Purbaya as State Treasurer was correct. This assessment came after working with Purbaya for some time.

“Then when I tried working with him, I thought he works well. He has a very good understanding of macroeconomics,” said Prabowo.

Earlier, at a full cabinet session on Friday, 13 March 2025, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reported to President Prabowo Subianto that Indonesia’s economy is in good condition. He stated this condition is reflected in various data from February 2026, which show economic activity is experiencing acceleration.

“So we are far from what is called a chaotic economy, as economists outside say. Many people on TikTok talk like that,” Purbaya said at the State Palace.