Ousted Indonesia finance minister says he was 'upset', but half expected removal

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto removed Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa on Monday, appointing his deputy, Suahasil Nazara, in a change that surprised markets but aimed to restore confidence in fiscal policy. Speaking after a brief handover, Purbaya said he was “upset” yet “half expected” the dismissal, adding he learned of his termination during a phone call with the president’s spokesperson, Prasetyo Hadi. He said he had no policy disagreement with Prabowo, but his removal was partly linked to differences with other officials. Purbaya’s tenure saw strong growth and wider deficits, with Fitch and Moody’s downgrading outlooks.