Jakarta. The Minister of Finance of Indonesia, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, presented public apology on Tuesday for controversial remarks that he made on recent demonstrations shortly after his inauguration the day before.
Purbaya had described the demonstrators as representing only a “tiny fraction” of society which was “unhappy with their lives”, suggesting that their requests would be faded “once they earn decent jobs”. The comments sparked an online reaction, many criticizing his insensitivity.
“I apologize for the slip of the language. I am corrected,” Purbaya told journalists from the presidential palace.
He recognized criticism, saying that he must improve his communication skills. Purbaya clarified that economic difficulties were at the origin of the demonstrations and stressed that job creation would be its priority.
“We have to repair things to allow them to get a job. We want all people to be prosperous-that is the main objective,” he said.
Before his appointment, Purbaya was president of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), where he was recognized to strengthen the institution’s financial safety net and supervise the stability of the banking sector during periods of market volatility.
Training economist, Purbaya has also spent time as vice-president of the investment coordination board (BKPM) and was involved in the development of government policies to attract foreign direct investments. He is considered a technocrat with a vast experience in tax and financial matters, although he is less known for his public profile compared to his predecessor.
Purbaya was appointed on Monday by President Prabowo suffered to succeed the longtime finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. Tuesday morning, he officially took over the post.
Sri Mulyani, widely respected in the country and abroad for his tax discipline and his reformist references, served under three presidents: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Joko Widodo and Prabowo.
In an emotional farewell, she thanked her colleagues and the public for their support during her mandate. Fighting behind tears, she said that she would now embrace life as a private and asked that her private life be respected.
