Sarmuji Officially Appointed as Minister of Industry, Replacing Agus Gumiwang
President Prabowo Subianto has conducted a cabinet reshuffle for the remainder of the 2024-2029 term. Among the changes, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has been replaced by the newly appointed Minister of Industry, M Sarmuji. The inauguration of M Sarmuji, alongside other new Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Heads of Agencies, took place at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (1/10/2026).
On Friday (2/10/2026), former Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and the new Minister M Sarmuji conducted the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Industry building in Jakarta. During the event, Sarmuji praised Agus Gumiwang as his senior in all respects and requested the former minister’s continued support in executing his duties as Minister of Industry.
Sarmuji promised to continue the programmes established by Agus Gumiwang to ensure the growth of the national industry.
“I ask that we all work well together, build a grand narrative, have big dreams, and identify opportunities to enhance our national industry to serve as an economic lever,” said Sarmuji.
“Do not focus on the obstacles first, but rather on the opportunities available for our national industry. We will determine later whom we need to meet and whom we should collaborate with. The most important thing right now is building big dreams so that our industry becomes even stronger,” he added.
Avoiding Excessive Formality
Uniquely, in his first speech as Minister of Industry, Sarmuji requested that all officials within the Ministry of Industry refrain from showing excessive deference to him and his wife. He also praised the simple demeanour of Agus Gumiwand’s wife.
“Personally, I request that all officials in the Ministry of Industry support and remind one another. If there is anything that needs to be pointed out to me, please do not hesitate to do so,” Sarmuji said.
“Do not provide excessive honours to me. Excessive deference creates barriers and walls. Please do not treat my wife with excessive formality either,” Sarmuji added.
Sarmuji also sought support from the entrepreneurs in attendance, including former Minister Saleh Husin, who is now the Vice Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, the Chairman of Gapmmi Adhi S Lukman, and former Director General of the Ministry of Industry Panggah Susanto.
“He previously served in Commission VI. We have also interacted with him during RDP (Hearing) with the DPR (Parliament). It should go well, as he understands the industry,” said Adhi S Lukman.