FWK Urges Prabowo to Leverage Finance Minister Change for Economic Improvement

The National Journalists Forum (FWK) has urged President Prabowo Subianto to leverage the change of the Finance Minister as a momentum to improve the people's economy. The group stated that changing figures is insufficient if issues concerning purchasing power, fiscal space, and the health of the country's finances remain unaddressed. This view was expressed during the FWK National Discussion held in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The discussion was attended by former Deputy Chairman of the Press Council Hendry Ch Bangun, along with a number of editorial leaders and senior journalists. FWK noted that Prabowo has appointed three Finance Ministers since taking office in October 2024. Most recently, Suahasil Nazara was appointed on September 14 to replace Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Raja Parlindungan Pane, FWK Coordinator, acknowledged that the change of ministers is the president's prerogative. However, he questioned the ethical implications of Purbaya's replacement being conveyed via telephone by the Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, especially while Purbaya was discussing the 2027 state budget at the DPD RI. "Regarding the change of the minister of finance, I agree, this is the prerogative of President Prabowo. Only the way to convey the change of the minister of finance, is it ethical only through the phone? This needs to be considered in the future," Raja stated. FWK highlighted that the finance minister reshuffling occurs amid significant fiscal challenges. With global oil prices breaking through $100 per barrel again in the second week of September, there is a potential for increased energy subsidies, thereby narrowing the fiscal space for government programs. Hendry Ch Bangun likened Prabowo to a football coach needing to change strategies in a stalemate. Changing players is an option, but the ultimate goal is a shift in the game's momentum. "Therefore, President Prabowo must make this change of finance minister a momentum to improve the situation," Hendry urged. He assessed Suahasil as an experienced technocrat, well-versed in government policies, and possessing extensive experience within the Ministry of Finance. Suahasil previously served as Deputy Minister of Finance during the tenures of Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Purbaya. However, several senior journalists cautioned against excessive euphoria surrounding the ministerial change. They stressed that the primary issues faced by the community must remain the focus. Herry Sinamarata, FWK Economic Coordinator, emphasized the importance of observing the Finance Minister's transition ahead of the 2027 State Budget discussions in the DPR. According to Herry, the government must maintain economic growth, investor confidence, and the country's financial health, while simultaneously addressing the persistent problem of increasing people's purchasing power.