A new study by the Continuum Big Data Institute for the Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) shows that 64 percent of online conversations expressed negative views about President Prabowo Subianto’s recent cabinet reshuffle.
“Netizens tend to be skeptical that the reshuffle will bring significant change,” Wahyu Tri Utomo, a researcher at Continuum Data Indonesia, said during an online discussion on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The analysis reviewed 44,404 posts and comments across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram between September 8 and 9, 2025. According to Wahyu, many respondents believe the reshuffle was driven more by political maneuvering than genuine reform.
Some users criticized the decision to retain certain ministers they felt should have been replaced, including Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, who has faced complaints of slow responses to demonstrations allegedly marked by rights violations.
The finance portfolio generated the most attention, with more than 23,700 mentions. Public reaction was split between sympathy for outgoing Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and criticism of her successor, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, whom some consider prone to controversial statements. Meanwhile, 35 percent of netizens responded positively, appreciating the removal of ministers seen as underperforming.
President Prabowo reshuffled his cabinet on September 8, 2025, dismissing five ministers and appointing three replacements while creating a new Ministry of Haj and Umrah. Sri Mulyani was replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as Finance Minister.
Ferry Joko Yuliantono took over the Cooperatives Ministry from Budi Arie Setiadi, and Mukhtarudin became Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, succeeding Abdul Kadir Karding. The newly established Ministry of Haj and Umrah is now led by Mochamad Irfan Yusuf.
Prabowo also removed Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, though their successors have yet to be announced.
Already have an account? Sign In
-
Start reading
Freemium
-
Monthly Subscription
20% OFF$29.75
$37.19/MonthCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now -
Yearly Subscription
33% OFF$228.13
$340.5/YearCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now
Set up email notifications for these topics
