Purbaya Signals Vice Minister Rotation: Juda Agung Tipped for Role

Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa on Tuesday signalled that a planned rotation of the vice minister post would be finalized this month, indicating that Juda Agung, a deputy governor at Bank Indonesia, has emerged as a strong candidate for the role. Purbaya said he had held discussions with Juda, who has reportedly submitted his resignation from Bank Indonesia, amid speculation that he could be appointed as deputy finance minister. The remarks also point to a potential job swap, as Vice Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono has been named among three candidates proposed by the president to replace Juda at the central bank. Purbaya declined to comment directly on the possibility of an exchange of positions, saying only that he had met Juda without explicitly describing the meeting as part of a formal vetting process. “We discussed the economic situation and his views on it,” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta. He added that the appointment of a deputy finance minister ultimately rests with President Prabowo Subianto, but said Juda possesses solid economic credentials. “It all depends on the president, but in terms of economic knowledge, he is quite strong,” Purbaya said. Purbaya said he had not yet communicated with Thomas, who is currently on an overseas assignment, but stressed that changes involving the deputy finance minister and the BI deputy governor positions would be completed soon. “Before February, everything should be finalized,” he said. Earlier, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the president had received Juda’s resignation letter from Bank Indonesia. Prasetyo also confirmed that Prabowo had formally submitted a letter to the House of Representatives proposing three candidates to replace Juda, including Thomas, who is Prabowo’s nephew. Tags: Keywords: