JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appointed veteran diplomat Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir as foreign minister in a broad Cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening the government’s diplomatic and economic leadership.
Nasir, who previously served as deputy foreign minister and Indonesia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, replaces Sugiono, a close political ally of Prabowo. Sugiono has been reassigned as coordinating minister for human development and cultural affairs.
The changes, announced on October 1, include 15 appointments covering coordinating ministers, ministers, deputy ministers, agency officials and the national police chief. Muhammad Sarmuji has been named industry minister, while National Narcotics Agency chief Suyudi Ario Seto will become police chief. General Listyo Sigit Prabowo is moving to the position of presidential chief of staff.
Nasir’s appointment comes as Indonesia faces economic pressure linked to geopolitical tensions and the continuing conflict in the Middle East. It also follows domestic debate over Jakarta’s foreign-policy decisions, including Prabowo’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative.
Speaking after his appointment, Nasir said the international situation was increasingly complex but stressed that Indonesia’s foreign policy would remain guided by the country’s laws and established principles.
The new foreign minister previously served as Indonesia’s ambassador to France and the United Nations and was a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry from 2014 to 2019. He has represented Jakarta’s positions on major issues including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Analysts expect his promotion to improve policy coordination and strengthen the use of institutional experience within the Foreign Ministry. His career in multilateral diplomacy is also seen as an advantage as Indonesia seeks to preserve its non-aligned position while maintaining relations with major global powers.
The reshuffle marks another effort by Prabowo’s administration to align Cabinet leadership with the country’s diplomatic, security and economic challenges.