On September 17, 2025, the ornate halls of Jakarta’s State Palace once again became the stage for political transformation, as President Prabowo Subianto swore in a new cadre of 11 ministers and agency leaders. The sweeping cabinet reshuffle, marked by both high-profile appointments and dismissals, comes in the wake of recent unrest that has tested the resolve and unity of Prabowo’s administration.
Among the most notable changes is the appointment of retired General Djamari Chaniago as the new Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs. According to ANTARA, Chaniago’s installation was one of several moves formalized by Presidential Decree No. 96/P of 2025, which addressed the dismissal and appointment of ministers and deputy ministers, alongside Keppres No. 97/P of 2025 concerning non-ministerial officials. The president led the oath-taking ceremony at 3 p.m. local time, with the newly appointed officials pledging their loyalty to the 1945 Constitution and vowing to serve the nation with integrity.
"That I will be loyal to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and will strictly enforce all laws and regulations, in the service of my nation and state," the president recited, echoed solemnly by the assembled officials, as reported by ANTARA. The appointees further swore to uphold the ethics of office and to carry out their duties responsibly and to the best of their ability. After the formalities, President Prabowo greeted each new leader personally—a gesture symbolizing both trust and expectation.
This reshuffle, however, is more than a routine bureaucratic shake-up. It comes on the heels of a turbulent political moment that has rocked Indonesia’s capital. According to ANTARA and corroborated by international outlets, the unrest was sparked in late August by revelations that all 580 members of the House of Representatives were receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (about $3,075), a figure nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Public anger over this perceived excess quickly boiled over, resulting in street protests that culminated in violence and, tragically, the loss of ten lives.
The situation escalated further with the death of Affan Kurniawan, a ride-hailing driver who was fatally struck by a police vehicle during the protests. His death became a rallying point for demonstrators, amplifying calls for accountability and reform within the government. In response to the growing crisis, President Prabowo moved to dismiss five ministers, including the widely respected Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, as a visible act of accountability. Indrawati, a former executive director at the International Monetary Fund, had been a cornerstone of the administration since its inception.
The reasons behind these high-profile dismissals have not been explicitly communicated by the government. Nevertheless, analysts cited by ANTARA and other media suggest that Budi Gunawan, the outgoing Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, was removed in part due to ineffective crisis coordination and ongoing health concerns. The selection of Chaniago—himself a former rival of Prabowo—signals a strategic pivot. By installing trusted military figures in key roles, Prabowo appears intent on consolidating his authority and stabilizing his administration amidst ongoing political turbulence.
Chaniago’s credentials are formidable. He is a member of the Officers Council of Honor, established in 1998 during Indonesia’s own political upheaval. The council was tasked with investigating human rights abuses, including the kidnapping of political activists during the final years of Suharto’s regime—a period when Prabowo himself served in the military. Chaniago even succeeded Prabowo as commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command, underscoring the deep and sometimes complicated history between the two men.
Political observers see Chaniago’s appointment as part of a broader effort to forge alliances across Indonesia’s often fractious political spectrum. Selamat Ginting, a political and military analyst, described the move as more than just a gesture of forgiveness between former adversaries. Instead, it represents a calculated consolidation of power, designed to secure the legitimacy and stability of the administration. "This unification effort goes beyond mere forgiveness, representing a strategic consolidation of power," Ginting noted, speaking to the underlying motives at play.
The reshuffle did not stop with Chaniago. Erick Thohir, previously the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports. Thohir, a prominent businessman and former owner of the Italian football club Inter Milan, is widely viewed as an ally of former President Joko Widodo. His transition to a new ministry signals Prabowo’s intent to build bridges with influential figures from past administrations and to ensure continuity in key policy areas.
Other significant appointments include Muhammad Qodari as Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Ahmad Dofiri as Special Presidential Advisor for Public Security and Police Reform, and Angga Raka Prabowo as Head of the Presidential Communication Office. The list extends to include Afriansyah Noor (Deputy Minister of Manpower), Rohmat Marzuki (Deputy Minister of Forestry), Farida Faricha (Deputy Minister of Cooperatives), Naniek S. Dayang and Sonny Sanjaya (Deputy Heads of the National Nutritional Agency), and Sarah Sadiqa (Head of the National Public Procurement Agency).
In the process, several officials were relieved of their posts, reflecting the high stakes and shifting allegiances that characterize Indonesian politics. Erick Thohir vacated his previous position as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Sulaiman Umar stepped down as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Hasan Nasbi was removed as Head of the Presidential Communication Office, and Anto M. Putranto left his role as Head of the Presidential Staff Office.
The broader context of these changes cannot be overstated. As Indonesia grapples with public demands for transparency and accountability, Prabowo’s reshuffle is both a response to immediate unrest and a proactive measure to shore up his government’s foundations. The appointment of military and technocratic figures alike suggests a dual strategy: enforce stability while pursuing reforms that can restore public trust.
While the coming months will test whether these new appointments can deliver on their promises, the events of September 17 have already reshaped the political landscape in Jakarta. The president’s willingness to bring former rivals into the fold and to make tough personnel decisions in times of crisis may ultimately define his legacy. For now, Indonesians watch closely, hoping that this new team will steer the nation toward a calmer and more accountable future.
