Yusril: Budget Efficiency Is Done Because 30 Percent Of The State Budget Leaks

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra assessed that the policy of budget efficiency in ministries/agencies was carried out because around 30 percent of expenditures from the state budget were leaked or could not be accounted for.

Yusril's statement relates to the efficiency of the 2025 State Budget budget as a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto in the Presidential Instruction of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2025 and Letter of the Minister of Finance Number S-37/MK.02/2025.

"Why was the savings made and why the money saved. The President firmly said that about 30 percent of our state budget had been leaked so far. It was irresponsible and too much spending on things that weren't really necessary and urgent," said Yusril after attending a meeting between the judges with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Thursday, February 20, reported by ANTARA.

Yusril explained that President Prabowo decided to make budget savings in various fields aimed at developing Indonesia in the next five years.

The savings of 30 percent of the State Budget or 20 billion US dollars will be invested in financing direct aid programs, such as Free Nutrition Food (MBG), to financing 34-35 megaprojects starting this year.

Investment in the megaproject is expected to increase Indonesia's economic growth by 8 percent in the next five years.

According to Yusril, savings that include official travel costs, the purchase of office stationery, and seminar activities that will be reduced will indeed be felt in the first 1-2 years of the government, but will have a positive impact on the future.

"It is hoped that in 2045 Indonesia will really be in a position in developed countries. So even in the current position, Indonesia has actually moved up to its level to become economic strength around number 6 in the world, and I think the impact will be very large," said Yusril.

The President's directive regarding budget efficiency policies is aimed at ministry/institutional programs whose benefits cannot be measured for the community, such as overseas travel, to ceremonial activities.

However, efficiency will not have an impact on activities related to public services and personnel spending, including salaries and allowances.