JAKARTA: Indonesia’s president carried out a second surprise Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, just a week after firing five ministers following deadly anti-government protests.
At least 11 people were killed in mass protests that broke out in Jakarta in late August. Sparked by controversial allowances for lawmakers, rising living costs and inequality, the demonstrations turned violent and spread across the country after an armed police vehicle ran over and killed a 21-year-old delivery driver.
With protesters demanding sweeping reforms across various institutions, including the police, military and House of Representatives, the demonstrations have posed the biggest challenge yet for the presidency of Prabowo Subianto, who took office last October.
After replacing his Cabinet members last week — including well-regarded Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati — Prabowo appointed 11 new officials on Wednesday.
“President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated two ministers and three deputy ministers of the Red and White Cabinet for the remainder of the 2024–2029 term,” the presidential secretariat said in a statement after the inauguration ceremony.
