Indonesia Removes Finance Minister Amid Nationwide Protests

Indonesia's government has removed Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in a recent cabinet reshuffle, with no replacement announced yet, according to state officials. The decision follows two weeks of nationwide protests and civil unrest driven by demands for a fairer taxation system, during which protesters even looted Sri Mulyani's home. Sri Mulyani, one of Indonesia's longest-serving finance ministers, has been praised for reforming the tax system and managing the economy through multiple crises, including the pandemic and the global financial crisis. The government, represented by State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi, emphasized its commitment to addressing citizens' concerns amid the unrest. The main stock index fell and the rupiah remained mostly unchanged after the announcement. The situation highlights growing public frustration with economic policies in Southeast Asia's largest economy.