President Prabowo rules out cabinet reshuffle as two deputy minister posts remain vacant

President Prabowo rules out cabinet reshuffle as two deputy minister posts remain vacant

President Prabowo Subianto has no plans to reshuffle his Red and White Cabinet despite two deputy ministerial vacancies that have persisted for months, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, Prasetyo—who also serves as presidential spokesperson—dismissed mounting speculation about a cabinet shake-up, stating that the administration remains focused on routine operations and filling existing vacancies rather than conducting broader political restructuring.

The Red and White Cabinet, sworn in on October 21, 2024, comprises 48 ministers and 54 deputy ministers, making it Indonesia's largest cabinet since 1966. The sheer size of the administration has drawn attention to leadership gaps that have emerged in recent months.

Immigration ministry vacancy follows corruption scandal

The Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections position has remained unfilled since June 4, 2026, when President Prabowo dismissed Silmy Karim after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him a suspect in an extortion investigation. The dismissal came on the same day Karim received his suspect status.

The KPK investigation centers on alleged extortion practices at the Directorate General of Immigration spanning 2022 to 2026. Investigators estimate that Karim and seven other suspects collected approximately Rp145.5 billion (US$7.8–9 million) during this period.

Karim had served as Director General of Immigration from January 2023 to October 2024 before his appointment to the deputy ministerial post when the Red and White Cabinet was formed. The Ministry of Immigration and Correction itself is a newly established entity, created when the cabinet was sworn in by separating immigration and corrections functions from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Minister Agus Andrianto, a retired police officer and former deputy chief of the Indonesian National Police, has led the ministry since its formation.

Agriculture deputy position opens after nutrition agency appointment

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture position became vacant on July 22, 2026, when Sudaryono was appointed to lead the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The appointment marked the agency's second leadership change in less than two months.

Sudaryono replaced Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who had resigned after serving only 45 days as BGN chief, citing health reasons. The BGN, established on August 15, 2024, during the previous administration, oversees Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals program. Sudaryono stepped down from his agricultural role to prevent overlapping duties, but no successor has been named.

Evaluation process standard procedure

Prasetyo emphasized that continuous performance monitoring at the Presidential Palace represents standard administrative procedure and should not be interpreted as preparation for political changes. Cabinet evaluations focus on program delivery, inter-agency coordination, and accurate public communication by government officials.

"The evaluation or oversight process does not always lead to a reshuffle," Prasetyo stated, reiterating that any future administrative decisions would prioritize filling vacant posts over broader restructuring.

The clarification comes as the administration approaches the two-year mark since the cabinet's formation, a period when speculation about ministerial changes typically intensifies in Indonesian politics.