Jakarta. Indonesia’s newly appointed Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa issued a public apology on Tuesday for controversial remarks he made about recent demonstrations shortly after his inauguration the previous day.

Purbaya had described the protesters as representing only a “tiny fraction” of society who were “unhappy with their lives,” suggesting their demands would fade “once they earn decent jobs.” The comments triggered a backlash online, with many criticizing his insensitivity.

“I apologize for the slip of the tongue. I stand corrected,” Purbaya told reporters at the Presidential Palace.

He acknowledged the criticisms, saying he must improve his communication skills. Purbaya clarified that economic hardship was at the root of the demonstrations and stressed that job creation would be his priority.

“We need to fix things to allow them to get jobs. We want all people to be prosperous -- that’s the main goal,” he said.

Before his appointment, Purbaya served as chairman of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), where he was credited with strengthening the institution’s financial safety net and overseeing banking sector stability during periods of market volatility.

An economist by training, Purbaya also spent time as deputy chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and was involved in shaping government policies to attract foreign direct investment. He is regarded as a technocrat with extensive experience in fiscal and financial matters, though he is less known for his public profile compared to his predecessor.

Purbaya was named by President Prabowo Subianto on Monday to succeed long-serving Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. On Tuesday morning, he formally took over the position.

Sri Mulyani, widely respected at home and abroad for her fiscal discipline and reformist credentials, served under three presidents: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Joko Widodo, and Prabowo.

In an emotional farewell, she thanked colleagues and the public for their support during her tenure. Fighting back tears, she said she would now embrace life as a private citizen and asked that her privacy be respected.

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