Purbaya Replaced by Suahasil, DPR: President is Seeking the Best Finance Minister

President Prabowo Subianto has replaced two Finance Ministers within approximately two years of his administration’s tenure.

The Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, believes this change was not without reason, particularly as both replacements occurred in September during the 2027 State Budget (APBN) discussions.

“The President is looking for a format, seeking the person who can execute his vision and mission. He is looking for the best. Someone who understands macroeconomics, understands policy, and knows how to utilise the State Budget instruments as a welfare policy,” he stated during the CNBC Indonesia Power Lunch programme, as quoted on Thursday (17/09/2026).

Misbakhun assessed that Prabowo is searching for a Finance Minister capable of delivering public prosperity as desired by the President. He noted that the new Finance Minister is an individual with a long track record within the scope of fiscal policymaking.

“This is not a new figure in managing our fiscal situation. He/she very much understands the existing situation,” said Misbakhun.

As is known, at the beginning of the Prabowo administration, the Finance Minister position was held by Sri Mulyani, who was subsequently replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, who was inaugurated on 8 September 2025. Approximately one year later, Purbaya was replaced by his deputy, Suahasil Nazara, who was inaugurated on 14 September 2026.

Suahasil’s career at the Ministry of Finance began when she was definitively appointed as the Head of the Fiscal Policy Agency on 31 October 2016. She subsequently served as Deputy Finance Minister in the Indonesia Maju Cabinet, assisting the Finance Minister in the formulation and implementation of national fiscal policy from 25 October 2019 until her appointment as Finance Minister.