TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has summoned National Economic Council member Muhammad Chatib Basri to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta today, June 9.
Chatib, a prominent economist who served as Finance Minister under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, arrived amidst swirling speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle within the Red and White Coalition. Rumors have linked Chatib to the Finance Minister post, potentially replacing Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
Chatib arrived at the State Palace alongside the Chairperson of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. Tempo observed that the two officials pulled up around 3:30 p.m.
Regarding the day's agenda, Chatib confirmed he was scheduled for a face-to-face meeting with the Head of State, though he remained tight-lipped about the specifics. "Ask Pak Luhut," he told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex on Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026.
Chatib noted that other members of the National Economic Council, including Septian Hario Seto, were also taking part in the meeting. When pressed on the rumors that he might join Prabowo’s cabinet, Chatib simply replied, "I don't know."
Prior to the meeting, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi dismissed any talk of a shake-up within the Red and White Cabinet. He firmly denied rumors that Chatib was slated to replace the sitting Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
"There are no plans to replace the Finance Minister. We have repeatedly stated that no reshuffle plan," Prasetyo said at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Speculation over the fate of the state treasurer portfolio has intensified recently, capturing public attention alongside the weakening performance of the rupiah. Chatib Basri’s name is among the prominent figures to surface in the discourse.
Prasetyo urged the public to refrain from speculating or tying specific names to rumors of a cabinet reshuffle. President Prabowo Subianto, he assured, would directly inform the public should any changes to his lineup occur.
"This doesn't apply to just one ministry; if the President deems that there should be a refreshment or change, it will be announced at the appropriate time," the Gerindra Party politician stated.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this article
Read: Bank Indonesia Unexpectedly Raises Interest Rate to 5.5%
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