Indonesia’s president appoints retired general as new security minister after deadly unrest

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday named retired Gen. Djamari Chaniago as the new coordinating minister for politics and security, moving to stabilize his Cabinet after violent protests left 10 people dead last month.

Chaniago, 77, replaces Budi Gunawan, who was removed earlier this month without an immediate successor, fueling days of speculation. Gunawan’s dismissal followed nationwide demonstrations that erupted in late August over lawmakers receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) — nearly 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage. The unrest intensified after the death of ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan, who was struck by a police vehicle.

The protests, among the toughest tests for Subianto’s young presidency, forced a Cabinet reshuffle in which five ministers lost their posts, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a respected former IMF and World Bank official. Local media and analysts said Gunawan was blamed for failing to coordinate with security agencies during the crisis and was absent from key meetings. Concerns over his health also contributed to his removal.

Subianto’s decision to elevate Chaniago is seen as part of a broader strategy to reconsolidate power by installing trusted figures in strategic positions. Chaniago, a former army commander, was among seven generals on the Officers Council of Honor in 1998 that investigated Subianto’s role in the abduction of pro-democracy activists during the final days of Suharto’s regime. Subianto was later dismissed from the military for “misinterpreting orders,” though he was never tried, while some of his subordinates were convicted.

Analysts say the appointment reflects an effort to mend old divisions. “Prabowo needs broad support, including from senior military figures and elites who once opposed him, to strengthen his government,” said Selamat Ginting, a political and military analyst at the National University.

At a ceremony at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, Subianto also swore in three other ministers. Erick Thohir, former state-owned enterprises minister and a close ally of ex-president Joko Widodo, was named minister of youth and sports. Thohir, 55, is a businessman and former owner of Inter Milan and D.C. United, and has served as chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia since 2023.