Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir as foreign minister, replacing Sugiono in a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, 1 October.
Nasir, a career diplomat who had served as deputy foreign minister, was sworn in at the State Palace in Jakarta. Sugiono was moved to the role of coordinating minister for human development and culture. Indonesia’s state news agency ANTARA reported that Nasir was appointed under a presidential decree issued on 30 September.
A Diplomat Takes Charge
Nasir previously served as Indonesia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York and later as deputy foreign minister, giving him extensive diplomatic experience before taking over the foreign ministry.
Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Nasir said he would continue the foreign-policy direction pursued under Sugiono and follow President Prabowo’s instructions.
He said consistency had long been a feature of Indonesian foreign policy and stressed that the ministry’s mandate ultimately remained under the President’s direction. ANTARA reported his remarks following the inauguration.
What Changes Now?
Nasir’s appointment does not, by itself, signal a major change in Indonesia’s foreign policy.
His first remarks emphasised continuity, while Prabowo remains responsible for the government’s overall foreign-policy direction. Nasir also indicated that existing diplomatic priorities, including Indonesia’s multilateral engagements, would continue.
The reshuffle comes less than three weeks after Prabowo replaced his finance minister in another significant cabinet change.
Reuters reported that analysts will be watching whether Nasir’s experience as a career diplomat gives the foreign ministry a stronger voice in policy decisions that have been closely associated with the President.
For now, the appointment is clear; its effect on Indonesia’s relations with other countries remains to be seen.
