Losing Office in the Heat of Battle
This historical piece recounts the sudden 2001 dismissal of Indonesian Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo by President Abdurrahman Wahid. The article explores the political tensions and unpopular economic policies, such as fuel price hikes, that led to his abrupt exit from office.
Why it matters
It provides historical context on Indonesian political instability and the personal toll of high-stakes economic governance.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - “My focus is no longer here.” The words came slowly, bringing to an abrupt end a meeting between Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo and the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 12, 2001. That day, as lawmakers wrangled over revisions to the State Budget, President Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, suddenly reshuffled the National Unity Cabinet. Prijadi was ousted. His post went to Rizal Ramli, who had previously served as Coordinating Minister for the Economy.The news of his dismissal had not reached Prijadi beforehand—not from anyone at the Presidential Palace or from officials at the Finance Department. He learned he was out of a job only after a lawmaker interrupted the meeting to announce that Gus Dur had just unveiled the cabinet reshuffle at the State Palace. Prijadi was stunned.
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