In a significant political move, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto executed his first Cabinet change, replacing the Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, with Brian Yuliarto. This leadership transition occurred on February 19, 2025, amid mounting controversies surrounding Brodjonegoro's tenure. The inauguration ceremony for Yuliarto took place at the State Palace in Jakarta, marking a new chapter for the ministry tasked with steering Indonesia's educational and technological advancements.
The decision to replace Brodjonegoro followed intense scrutiny over his recent actions, including allegations of abruptly dismissing a civil servant, which sparked a protest involving hundreds of ministry employees in Central Jakarta on January 20. Additionally, Brodjonegoro faced criticism for delaying the enactment of a regulation aimed at providing incentive pay for lecturers—a policy introduced by his predecessor, Nadiem Makarim. Brodjonegoro had previously announced plans to evaluate this regulation in December of the previous year.
The backdrop to these events includes President Prabowo's directive in January to implement a substantial 256 trillion rupiah (US$15.67 billion) budget cut for ministries and state agencies. This decision also involved a 50 trillion rupiah reduction in central government transfers to regional administrations, significantly affecting staff morale and leading to the defunding of several priority programmes.
Brodjonegoro, responding to the growing pressure, submitted his resignation letter on February 19, 2025. He stated his commitment to his role but acknowledged that he might not have met the government's expectations.
"I just returned from the State Secretariat after submitting my resignation letter. I have worked hard over the past four months but perhaps I did not meet the government’s expectations so I decided to resign rather than be dismissed," said Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro.
He further expressed his dedication and sincerity during his brief tenure.
"I believe I have done my best and worked sincerely. If that wasn’t enough then I choose to resign," he added.
In addition to these challenges, Brodjonegoro was embroiled in controversy involving an audio recording in which a voice resembling his allegedly scolded and slapped a ministry vendor over water issues at his residence.
Newly appointed minister Brian Yuliarto received the call to assume his new role while he was in Bandung at approximately 9 am on the day of his inauguration.
"I received the call while I was in Bandung at around 9am," Yuliarto recalled.
During his inauguration speech, Yuliarto underscored his commitment to aligning with President Prabowo's strategic vision, particularly emphasizing the Asta Cita "eight visions" programme, which targets Indonesia's socio-economic challenges.
"I was instructed to consolidate the ministry and ensure alignment with the president’s programmes," Yuliarto stated.
Although he refrained from detailing specific priorities, Yuliarto emphasized his focus on strategic programmes designed to produce high-quality manpower.
The transition comes at a crucial time for Indonesia's higher education sector, which faces pressures from both internal administrative challenges and broader budget constraints. Brodjonegoro had previously highlighted the need for efficiency in light of fiscal limitations imposed by recent budget cuts.
"in line with the president’s call to be more efficient with the budget," Brodjonegoro noted during discussions about financial reductions impacting the ministry's operations.
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