The Indonesian Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has officially debunked claims that Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa told foreign investors to seek opportunities in other countries if they were dissatisfied with national policies.
Through the Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID), the ministry clarified that these reports are a hoax. The false claims were framed as a response to an open letter sent by the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (CCCI) to President Prabowo Subianto.
“Berita yang beredar mengenai pernyataan Menkeu Purbaya yang mempersilakan investor asing mencari negara lain jika tidak cocok dengan kebijakan Indonesia sebagai respons terhadap surat terbuka Kamar Dagang China di Indonesia (CCCI) kepada Presiden RI mengenai berbagai hambatan investasi di Indonesia, merupakan berita hoaks,” the ministry stated on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Public Warning and Misinformation
Kemenkeu has urged the public to remain vigilant against the spread of false information attributed to the Finance Minister. The ministry emphasized the importance of caution regarding news that uses Minister Purbaya’s name to spread misinformation.
Investment Friction and Policy Concerns
The controversy follows a letter from the China Chamber of Commerce to President Prabowo Subianto detailing several investment hurdles. Business owners highlighted policies they believe burden the business community, specifically the mentioned DHE SDA retention requirements.
The chamber argued that such requirements could disrupt company liquidity. “Ini akan sangat merugikan likuiditas perusahaan dan operasi jangka panjang,” the letter stated, as quoted on Wednesday, May 13.
Chinese entrepreneurs expressed concerns over planned increases in export duties and royalty rates for coal and mineral commodities (minerba). They suggested these changes could raise production costs for the mining industry and nickel downstreaming in Indonesia.
A Reciprocal Relationship
Addressing the concerns, Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa noted that investment relations between Indonesia and China are fundamentally reciprocal. He indicated that the Indonesian government has also raised issues regarding the conduct of certain investors.
The Minister revealed that he has complained to Chinese representatives about illegal business practices occurring within the country. “Saya sudah komplain ke mereka, banyak pengusaha China di sini yang juga melakukan bisnis nggak legal. Saya minta dia perbaiki waktu itu, dia janji akan memperingati mereka,” Purbaya stated at his office in Central Jakarta.
He concluded that the dialogue is a “two-way” process and asserted that there is no fundamental problem in the relationship.
Future Outlook
The Indonesian government may continue to monitor the implementation of DHE SDA and royalty policies to assess their impact on industrial liquidity. Future dialogues between the Ministry of Finance and the CCCI could be used to resolve specific operational grievances.
the government is likely to maintain its stance on legal compliance, which could lead to stricter oversight of foreign business practices to ensure they align with national regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Minister Purbaya tell foreign investors to leave Indonesia?
No. The Ministry of Finance clarified that such reports are a hoax.
What are the primary complaints from the China Chamber of Commerce?
The chamber expressed concerns over the 50% export proceeds (DHE SDA) retention requirement in state banks and planned increases in minerba royalties and export duties.
How has the Minister responded to the complaints?
Minister Purbaya stated that the relationship is reciprocal and that he has already complained to Chinese representatives about illegal business practices being conducted by some Chinese entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
How should governments balance strict resource regulations with the need to keep foreign investors confident?
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