Politics · Indonesia · 15 hrs ago
Claim That Prabowo Named Purbaya as Indonesia’s KPK Chair Is False
Posts and videos circulating online claim that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appointed former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to lead the Corruption Eradication Commission, known as the KPK.
The claim spread after Purbaya left his finance post in September 2026.
No such appointment had taken place as of October 7, 2026.
Setyo Budiyanto is the KPK chair for the 2024–2029 term.
One video used flipped footage from a 2025 ceremony where Prabowo inaugurated Purbaya as finance minister, while another image showed signs of manipulation and was assessed as likely AI-generated.
The false claim matters because it misrepresents who leads Indonesia’s anti-corruption commission; the available information gives no further action on the claim.
Posts claiming President Prabowo Subianto appointed Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as chair of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are false, Tempo found.
Tempo’s verification found no such appointment had taken place up to October 7, 2026.
The KPK chair for the 2024–2029 term is Setyo Budiyanto.
The posts circulated on Facebook, Threads, TikTok and YouTube from late September 2026.
One video used footage from Prabowo’s September 8, 2025 inauguration of Purbaya as finance minister, flipped horizontally to disguise its source.
- Who
- The posts claim President Prabowo Subianto appointed Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as KPK chair.
- What
- Tempo found the claim false; Setyo Budiyanto holds the KPK chair for the 2024–2029 term.
- When
- The posts circulated from late September 2026. Tempo found no appointment had taken place up to October 7, 2026.
- Where
- The content circulated on Facebook, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
- Why
- The narrative emerged after Purbaya was removed as finance minister on September 14, 2026.
Social media claimants
Tempo’s fact-check
Appointment
Social media claimants
Posts claimed Prabowo appointed Purbaya as KPK chair.
Tempo’s fact-check
Tempo found that no such appointment had taken place up to October 7, 2026.
Officeholder
Social media claimants
Posts depicted Purbaya as the new KPK chair.
Tempo’s fact-check
Tempo reported that Setyo Budiyanto held the chair for the 2024–2029 term.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Prabowo inaugurated several officials, including Purbaya as finance minister, in footage later used in a circulating video.
Purbaya was removed from his position as finance minister.
Posts claiming Purbaya had been appointed KPK chair began circulating on social media.
Setyo Budiyanto provided an update on an alleged corruption case involving the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency.
Tempo’s verification found that no appointment of Purbaya as KPK chair had taken place.
- KPK chair
- Setyo Budiyanto
- KPK term
- 2024–2029
- Claimed appointee
- Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa
- Claim circulation
- Late September 2026
- Image detection
- One tool estimated a 94 percent probability the image was AI-generated; another estimated 99.9 percent.
Sources
Related news
Indonesian lawmaker urges national disaster status for forest fires
Indonesia says forest expansion for rice is no longer needed
Prabowo convenes meeting to review forest fire response in Sumatra and Kalimantan
Indonesia makes ban on lobster larvae exports permanent
Indra Kenz returned to prison after conditional release revoked
Indonesia targets 100 fishing villages to operate by end of 2026
Indonesia warns of scams promising faster opening of MBG kitchens
Indonesia Clarifies Roles of New Land Reform Agency and Land Ministry
Indonesia Approves Suyudi Ario Seto as National Police Chief
Indonesia to Review Response to Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan
Online gambling operation found in an army housing complex in Jakarta
