Purbaya's Appointment as New Finance Minister Draws Negative Social Media Sentiment

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assumed the position of Minister of Finance, replacing Sri Mulyani Indrawati, on Monday (September 8, 2025). Kompas Research and Development's monitoring shows that the majority of Indonesian netizens responded negatively to this appointment.

Of all the discussions surrounding the inauguration of the former head of the Deposit Insurance Institution (LPS) on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X monitored by Kompas Research and Development from September 8-10, 2025, the majority, or 55%, contained negative sentiment.

"Public response on social media channels presents a challenge for Purbaya to prove that his fiscal policy measures will bring about positive change for Indonesia," wrote a Kompas Research and Development researcher in their report on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Meanwhile, 23% of the discussions had a positive tone, and 22% were neutral.

Analyzing the issues, netizens focused most on Purbaya's statement regarding the "17+8" demand and his remarks about "ordinary people," made on his inauguration day.

As much as 75% of social media conversations mentioning this issue were negative. Netizens considered the statements condescending and lacking empathy for the public's situation.

"His less-than-wise words at the beginning of his tenure left a lasting negative impression on netizens. Netizens perceived the new finance minister's communication style as relatively arrogant," wrote the Kompas Research and Development researcher.