Can Indonesia’s cabinet reshuffle restore public trust and calm protesters?

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet reshuffle is a “tactical” step to restore public trust in the government, according to analysts, but they argue it will not be enough to quell the unrest among protesters if it does not lead to more systemic reform.

The shake-up on Monday saw the departure of high-profile officials such as Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, alongside the creation of a stand-alone Hajj and Umrah Ministry – previously overseen by the Religion Ministry.

Other dismissed officials included Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo, Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi and Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the changes followed “various considerations, input, and evaluations by the president”.

“May this decision bring goodness to the nation, state and society,” Prasetyo said.

Muhammad Qodari, deputy chief of presidential staff, told national broadcaster Berita Satu the reshuffle was prompted by “the current situation in national politics”, referring to the nationwide protests sparked by public anger over lawmakers’ generous housing allowances.

  

​Read More