Presidential Spokesperson Denies Rumours of Purbaya Being Replaced by Chatib Basri

Social media, particularly X, has been rife with rumours regarding a reshuffle involving Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, with posts suggesting he would be replaced by Chatib Basri. An investigation revealed that the rumour was primarily spread by users active in stock trading. Numerous accounts on X expressed frustration with Purbaya’s performance, which they blamed for the decline in the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG), leading them to circulate speculation about a swearing-in ceremony at the Palace where Basri, currently a member of the National Economic Council (DEN), would take over.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi dismissed the reports. He asserted that there were no plans for a reshuffle by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. ‘There is none, there is no reshuffle. So, there is no such plan, there is no plan for that yet,’ he stated at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Thursday evening.

The Presidential Spokesperson emphasised that all relevant authorities are currently focused on safeguarding the rupiah’s exchange rate against the US dollar, which continues to weaken. Prasetyo added that this synergy is necessary to halt the depreciation of the rupiah and the decline of the IHSG, and to trigger a rebound. ‘Regarding the rupiah issue, we in the government, specifically the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, and the Financial Services Authority, continue to coordinate intensively to monitor the situation and take necessary steps,’ Prasetyo said. He urged the public to remain optimistic about Indonesia’s economic conditions, noting that key indicators show the national economic foundation is strong and well-maintained.