The recent reshuffle of President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet, which saw Budi Gunawan removed fro his position as Coordinating Minister for Political, and Security Affairs, has sparked widespread speculation, with analysts and observers suggesting that his removal is directly linked to the government’s handling of the late August protests and ensuing violence.

Beni Sukadis, a military analyst from the Indonesian Defense and Strategic Studies Institute (Lesperssi), points to the failure of the government to anticipate the escalation of public unrest as a key factor in Gunawan's dismissal.

"The protests that turned violent were a clear signal of widespread public dissatisfaction. The Office of Coordinating Minister for Political, and Security Affairs, which is responsible for monitoring such threats, failed to provide early warnings," Sukadis spoke to Indonesia Business Post on Friday, September 12, 2025.

The protests, which were primarily driven by economic hardships and political frustrations, took a violent turn when security forces clashed with protesters. Despite his close ties to former President Joko Widodo, Budi Gunawan failed to mitigate the situation, prompting the president to reconsider his role in overseeing national security matters.

"Budi Gunawan’s ties to the previous administration may have raised questions about his ability to navigate the current political landscape. His removal could also be seen as part of a larger effort to distance the administration from elements associated with the old guard, especially in light of growing dissatisfaction among the public," Sukadis noted.

The reshuffle also raises questions about the broader political implications of the unrest. As the government grapples with public discontent, many are wondering if this reshuffle represents an effort to reinvigorate leadership and signal a new approach to managing political and security challenges.

While it is unclear what specific impact the reshuffle will have on Indonesia’s security policies, the decision to replace Budi Gunawan underscores the importance of effective crisis management and early intelligence in maintaining political stability. With public frustration at an all-time high, the reshuffling of key government officials may be seen as a move to restore confidence in the administration’s ability to govern effectively.

President Prabowo Subianto announced a second cabinet reshuffle on Monday, September 8, 2025 . According to Prasetyo Hadi, the Minister of State Secretary, the reshuffle comes after thorough consideration by President Prabowo. "The President has decided to make changes to the Cabinet Merah Putih, including adjustments in several ministerial positions," Prasetyo said in a statement.

The ministers replaced includes:

• Budi Gunawan, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs
• Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance
• Abdul Kadir Karding, Minister of Migrant Worker Protection
• Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises
• Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Youth and Sports

Additionally, the President also appointed the new Minister of Haj and Umrah.

This reshuffle marks a significant moment in Prabowo’s presidency, following a period of political unrest and public dissatisfaction, especially in the aftermath of August’s protests. While political analysts suggest that the reshuffle could be part of efforts to revitalize the administration, it also reflects the ongoing changes in the political landscape as Prabowo aims to consolidate power and strengthen his government’s leadership.