Indonesia’s Prabowo appoints new foreign minister

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appointed a new foreign minister, choosing Nasir, the foreign ministry's former permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, to replace Sugiono. This marks Prabowo's second top cabinet reshuffle in under three weeks. Sugiono, who was replaced as foreign minister, has been appointed as the Human Development minister.

Prabowo's decision to appoint Nasir, Sugiono's deputy, is anticipated to signify a significant shift within the foreign ministry. This move follows Prabowo's dismissal of his finance minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, on September 14, who was replaced by his deputy, Suahasil Nazara. The move is seen as a potential step towards restoring investor confidence in Indonesia's US$1.5 trillion G20 economy, which has been affected by months of uncertain policymaking.

Analysts have noted that Sugiono's role in the foreign ministry had been diminished as Prabowo has taken a more dominant stance in foreign policy. Sugiono, who appeared rarely in the media and was from Prabowo's Gerindra party, was described by state news agency Antara as Prabowo's "ideological child" and one of his most trusted aides.

Under Sugiono's leadership, Indonesia made notable foreign policy strides, including joining Brics, a grouping of major emerging economies, and joining US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative for Gaza. Indonesia also pledged troops to the proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza.