21-2-2025 (JAKARTA) Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has made his first ministerial change since taking office, replacing the Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister amidst controversy and internal tensions.
Brian Yuliarto, a deputy rector at the prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology, has been appointed as the new Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, succeeding Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, who held the position for just four months.
The changing of the guard, which took place at Jakarta’s State Palace on Wednesday, came after mounting pressure on Brodjonegoro to step down following a series of controversies that had plagued his brief tenure.
Speaking at his inauguration ceremony, Yuliarto revealed he had received a personal call from President Subianto earlier that morning whilst in Bandung. “My mandate is clear – to consolidate the ministry and ensure perfect alignment with the president’s strategic vision,” he stated.
The new minister’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Indonesia grapples with ambitious reforms under Subianto’s ‘Asta Cita’ eight-point programme, aimed at tackling the nation’s socio-economic challenges. Yuliarto has already indicated his focus will be on developing high-quality human resources, though he has yet to outline specific policy initiatives.
Brodjonegoro’s departure follows a turbulent period marked by internal upheaval within the ministry. A major flashpoint occurred in January when hundreds of ministry employees staged protests in Central Jakarta over the controversial dismissal of a long-serving civil servant, allegedly at the behest of the minister’s wife.
Further controversy surrounded Brodjonegoro after allegations emerged of staff assault, which he denied, and criticism over his decision to review lecturer incentive payments – a move that threatened to delay disbursements across the sector.
In his parting statements, Brodjonegoro maintained he had submitted his resignation letter prior to the announcement, stating: “I have worked diligently over the past four months, but if I haven’t met government expectations, I prefer to resign rather than face dismissal.”
The cabinet reshuffle comes amid broader changes in Indonesia’s government apparatus, with President Subianto also announcing new appointments to key positions in the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency, Statistics Indonesia, and the National Cyber and Encryption Agency.
These changes unfold against the backdrop of Subianto’s recent directive for substantial budget cuts across government departments, totalling 256 trillion rupiah (US$15.67 billion), alongside a 50 trillion rupiah reduction in regional administration funding.
The savings are reportedly earmarked for the president’s flagship free nutritious meals programme and the forthcoming Danantara sovereign wealth fund, though the cuts have sparked concern among civil servants about their impact on existing programmes and staff morale.
