Prabowo Restructures Cabinet to Secure Political Alignment
President Prabowo Subianto announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle in Jakarta on Thursday and Friday, appointing TNI General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman as the new Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs while reassigning multiple figures tied to his predecessor, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
The adjustments reflect an effort to consolidate executive authority. Analysts suggest the President is moving to build a dedicated team while keeping potential political rivals within his immediate political reach.
Strategic Reassignments of Jokowi Loyalists
The latest cabinet adjustments reposition several prominent allies associated with former President Jokowi. Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo was reassigned to the post of Presidential Chief of Staff, replacing Dudung Abdurachman, according to reporting by Tempo.
Yoes Kenawas, an analyst, noted that the changes signal the beginning of a phased transition. Prabowo is placing trusted personnel in critical administrative roles while maintaining figures associated with Jokowi inside the ruling camp to prevent them from building an independent opposition too early.
Adding further changes to the Red and White Cabinet, President Prabowo inaugurated Arrmanatha Nasir as Foreign Minister, replacing Sugiono, Indonesia Business Post reported. Arrmanatha, a veteran career diplomat who previously served as deputy foreign minister and permanent representative to the United Nations, brings extensive multilateral experience to Jakarta’s foreign policy portfolio. Additional appointments included Sarmuji as Minister of Industry and Bahlil Lahadalia as Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, as detailed by Tempo.
Cabinet Changes Aim to Avoid Political Friction
Political analyst Arif Susanto from Exposit Strategic viewed the cabinet changes as a strategy to avoid political friction stemming from both inside and outside the government. Arif pointed to upcoming legal scrutiny surrounding a Constitutional Court petition challenging the eligibility and educational qualifications of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during the 2024 election.
Because the challenge involves Gibran—Jokowi's eldest son—analysts indicate the fallout could damage the administration if opposition figures use the case. The controversy traces back to a controversial Constitutional Court ruling overseen by then chief justice Anwar Usman, who has now been appointed as a presidential advisor.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi did not respond to requests for comment regarding the restructuring. Former President Jokowi defended his son’s qualifications, maintaining that Gibran had been fully cleared to run for office by the national election body.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Indonesian Cabinet Reshuffle
Who replaced Djamari Chaniago as Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs?
TNI General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman took the oath of office at the State Palace in Jakarta after President Prabowo Subianto appointed him to succeed Djamari Chaniago.
What role was assigned to Listyo Sigit Prabowo?
Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo transitioned to serve as the Presidential Chief of Staff, taking over the position previously held by Dudung.
Who succeeded Sugiono as Indonesia’s Foreign Minister?
Career diplomat Arrmanatha Nasir was sworn in as the new Foreign Minister on October 1, bringing extensive UN and multilateral diplomatic experience to the position.
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