Purbaya Explains Causes Of Massive Demo: Significant Economic Slowdown

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Purbaya Yudhi Sadivewa revealed that the series of demonstrations that took place at the end of August 2025 were caused by a significant slowdown in the economy.

As a result of the economic slowdown, it was difficult for the community to take to the streets to carry out massive actions.

"Economic growth is high, one of which is lost, everything can falter, here. There is equity, there is something dynamic. However, when the economy is slowed down, the people are difficult, go down large-scale demonstrations," said Purbaya at the Jakarta Convention Center, Thursday, October 9.

"The demonstration that occurred, which was how much? A month or two weeks ago was due to the impact of the economy slowing down significantly," he continued.

According to Purbaya, the people took to the streets because they were not optimistic about economic conditions. He also said that the demonstration series from the end of August to September 2025 was a serious threat.

So, if the government does not make changes to the economic direction quickly, demonstrations will continue to occur from week to week or even longer.

"And my calculation as an economist and half a shaman, February next year there will be a change of power which costs our society a lot," he said.

Purbaya revealed that the risk was apparently realized by President Prabowo Subianto. Thus, the Head of State decided to ask him to enter the cabinet to help improve economic conditions.

"Well, President Prabowo realized that, that's why I entered (into the Red and White Cabinet). Come on, you fix it, we'll fix it a little bit," he concluded.