Purbaya Reveals Reasons for Replacing Two Directors General: From Internal Issues, So We're Tidying Up a Bit

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has acknowledged that the replacement of Director General of Budget Luky Alfirman, as well as Director General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy Febrio Nathan Kacaribu, is somewhat related to internal dynamics, although it is not the only factor behind the decision.

“Yes and no, yes there is a little but not just that, there are other things. It’s from internal, so we’re tidying up a bit,” said Purbaya during a media briefing at the Financial Education and Training Agency (BPPK) in South Jakarta, on Friday (24/4/2026).

According to Purbaya, there are several issues that have drawn attention, including the circulation of various pieces of information from within the Ministry of Finance that are deemed to be able to affect the government’s credibility.

In addition, he also alluded to information from internal sources regarding himself, including matters related to leadership style and communication with investors, which he said also formed part of the internal evaluation.

Therefore, according to Purbaya, the reshuffle was carried out in part to straighten out the situation within the ministry.

When asked whether there were differences in views with several Ministry of Finance officials regarding the state of the state budget (APBN), Purbaya said that differences of opinion are a normal matter.

“If there are differences of opinion, that’s fine, in finance we are allowed to have differences of opinion,” he explained.

However, he stressed that the problem arises when misleading information emerges that has the potential to undermine the government’s credibility.

According to Purbaya, differences in views or internal debates are not an issue, but the presentation of figures or information that creates a wrong perception about the fiscal condition needs to be clarified.

Purbaya emphasised that information such as the narrative that the APBN is only sufficient for a few weeks can shape a negative perception and therefore needs to be tidied up.

Purbaya himself has appointed acting officials following the removal of the two echelon I officials from the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu).

Currently, Purbaya has appointed Sudarto as acting Director General of Budget, who holds the position of Special Staff for State Expenditure Affairs.

Then, as acting Director General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy, Ferry Ardianto, who daily serves as Director of Welfare Strategy and Economic Equality.

“These are strong people in the Department of Finance,” said Purbaya.