Story perspectives

Indonesia's Cabinet Shake-Up Amid Protests Over Inequality

9/11/2025

Summary

Prabowo Cabinet Reshuffle

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reshuffled his cabinet, replacing five ministers, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, amid protests over economic inequality and police brutality.
Protests escalated following the death of delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, sparking public outrage against lawmakers' perks.
New Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa seeks to stimulate growth while maintaining a 3% GDP limit on the budget deficit.
Analysts worry that Mulyani's departure could result in less prudent fiscal policies and larger budget deficits.
Protests persist, demanding the release of detained activists and accountability for police actions.

Summary

Kurniawan Protests Erupt

Protests erupted in Indonesia after delivery worker Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police vehicle on August 28, 2025.
Demonstrators, mainly students and workers, called for the military's withdrawal from civilian areas and accountability for state violence.
President Prabowo Subianto announced cuts to parliamentary allowances and promised an investigation into Kurniawan's death.
Over 3,300 arrests occurred, with at least ten fatalities amid rising violence.
The unrest highlights widespread anger over economic inequality and government austerity measures, threatening political stability and economic outlook.

History

Historical Context

The fall of President Suharto in 1998 marked a pivotal shift in Indonesia, initiating the Reformasi movement that led to democratic reforms and the establishment of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights. Today, President Prabowo Subianto faces protests over economic inequality and police brutality, reflecting ongoing struggles for accountability, with over 3,300 arrests highlighting persistent governance challenges.

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Prabowo Cabinet Reshuffle

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reshuffled his cabinet, replacing five ministers, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, amid protests over economic inequality and police brutality.
Protests escalated following the death of delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, sparking public outrage against lawmakers' perks.
New Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa seeks to stimulate growth while maintaining a 3% GDP limit on the budget deficit.
Analysts worry that Mulyani's departure could result in less prudent fiscal policies and larger budget deficits.
Protests persist, demanding the release of detained activists and accountability for police actions.

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