Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto called on government ministries and agencies to exercise budget restraint, warning that their proposed funding targets for 2025-2029 might not align with actual allocations.
Speaking at the National Development Planning Meeting (Musrenbangnas) for the 2025-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan at Bappenas, Jakarta, on Monday (December 30), Prabowo emphasized the importance of prioritization.
“I ask for your understanding and a big heart. There are priorities we must focus on, and some ministries or agencies might not receive the funding they had hoped for,” Prabowo stated.
He defended the Finance Minister from undue pressure, recounting his own experience when serving as Defense Minister.
“Don’t keep pressuring the Finance Minister. The Finance Minister reports to me. When I was Defense Minister, I was always limited by the Finance Minister. Now it’s Pak Sjafrie [Sjamsoeddin] who feels restricted. If he complains, the Finance Minister will say, ‘This is the President’s order,'” Prabowo quipped.
Prabowo explained that the budget cuts are driven by the government’s focus on key priorities, such as the Free Nutritious Meal Program for schoolchildren and salary increases for teachers.
“But children need to eat, teachers’ salaries need to be improved, and judges need proper housing. These are our priorities,” he emphasized.
Addressing regional leaders, including governors and regents participating via video conference, Prabowo urged collective efforts to prioritize the welfare of the people.
“To the governors and regents attending this meeting via video conference, and to the ministers, I ask for patience and magnanimity. Some priorities must come first, but ultimately, governors and regents will see the benefits,” he noted.
Prabowo cited the example of village funds, which currently amount to IDR 1 billion annually, explaining that the Free Nutritious Meal Program would significantly increase economic activity.
“For instance, with the Free Nutritious Meal Program, the circulating funds could multiply five, six, or seven times. We will add to the village funds, but it must be through mechanisms that ensure it reaches the target,” Prabowo concluded.
— (RR)
