Responding To Claims 17+8, Minister Of Finance Purbaya: That's The Small Voice Of The People

The newly appointed Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadive, immediately responded to the 17+8 demands voiced by the public through social media and demonstrations.

Purbaya admitted that he had not studied the contents of the demands in detail, "I have not studied it (the demand is 17+8), but basically like this, it's the voice of a small number of our people," he said at the Press Conference, Monday, September 8.

According to Purbaya, some people are dissatisfied because they have not felt the direct impact of current economic policies.

He is optimistic that if economic growth increases significantly, social tensions such as demonstrations can be reduced.

"Why? Maybe some feel disturbed, their lives are still lacking. Once I create economic growth of 6 percent, 7 percent, it will disappear automatically. They will be busy looking for work and eating well compared to demo," he said.

Purbaya explained that the main focus was not on pursuing economic growth targets of up to 8 percent, but on efforts to create economic growth as quickly and optimally as possible.

"It will not be pursued by 8 percent. We will pursue it as soon as we create the fastest growth, as optimally as possible. If you say it can be tomorrow 8 (percent)? If I say I can do it. But we move that way," he said.

Purbaya was officially inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace on Monday afternoon, based on Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 86 of 2025, replacing Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who previously served.

Prior to serving as Minister of Finance, Purbaya was the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS). He resigned from the position after being asked directly by President Prabowo to occupy the position of Minister of Finance.

Although he has been inaugurated, Purbaya said that the process of handing over positions (sertijab) with Sri Mulyani has not been carried out, because there is still an internal consolidation process within the Ministry of Finance.

"I will first kulonuwon with Mrs. Sri Mulyani. Fixing here (Kemenkeu) what are the weaknesses, there must be weaknesses," he explained.

The following is the contents of the '17+8 People's Claims' document submitted to the DPR RI BAM:

17 People's Demands:

1. Withdrawal of the TNI from Civil Security: TNI was asked to return to the barracks and not to be involved in civilian security, and to ensure that there was no criminalization of demonstrators.

2. Independent Investigation Team: Form a team to investigate the death cases of Affan Kurniawan, Umar Amarudin, and other victims of violence during the August 28-30 2025 demonstration in a transparent manner.

3. Freeze the Increase in DPR Salaries and Allowances: Cancel new facilities, including life retirement for members of the DPR.

4. Publication of the transparency of the DPR's Budget: Publicize details of the salary, allowances, houses, and facilities of the DPR.

5. Examination of Troubled DPR Members: Encourage the Honorary Board of the DPR and the KPK to investigate problematic members of the DPR.

6. Strict Sanctions for Non-Ethical DPR Members: Fire or give strict sanctions to members of the DPR which trigger public outrage.

7. Political Party commitment: The Party must announce its side with the people in the midst of a crisis.

8. Public Dialogue: Involve members of the DPR in an open dialogue with students and civil society.

9. Free Demonstrators: Release all demonstrators detained during the action.

10. Stop Police Violence: Police are asked to comply with the SOP for crowd control and stop repressive actions.

11. Legal Process for Perpetrators of Violence: Capture and justice in a transparent manner for members or commanders who violate human rights.

12. Immediately return to the barracks: Stop the TNI's involvement in civilian security.

13. TNI Internal Discipline: Make sure the TNI does not take over the function of the Police.

14. TNI's commitment: TNI must be committed not to entering civilian space during the democratic crisis.

15. Make sure the wages are feasible for the entire workforce (including but not limited to teachers, laborers, health workers and ojol partners) throughout Indonesia.

16. Take emergency steps to prevent mass layoffs and protect contract workers.

17. Open dialogue with unions regarding minimum wages and outsourcing.

8 People's Demands:

1. Clean and Reform the Great House of Representatives.

2. Political Party Reform and Strengthen Executive Supervision.

3. Susun Rencana Reform Perpajakan yang Lebih Adil.

4. Sahkan dan Tegaskan UU Perampasan Asset Corruptor.

5. Leadership Reform and the Police System to be Professional and Humanist.

6. TNI Returns to Barak, Without Exception.

7. Strengthen Komnas HAM and the Independent Supervisory Agency8. Review Economic & Employment Sector Policy.