Central Government Transfers to West Java Drop by Rp2.4 Trillion, Demul Cuts Spending Items, Including Appointing Civil Servant Candidates

JAKARTA - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (Demul) stated that his administration will continue to prioritize public services, but will cut several spending items, including the appointment of Civil Servant Candidates (CPNS), due to a decrease in transfer funds to West Java of approximately IDR 2.4 trillion.

Dedi stated that the reduction in transfer funds will take effect in the 2026 fiscal year, ensuring significant efficiency measures to ensure the continuity of infrastructure development, education, and healthcare services.

"The reduction in central government transfer funds to West Java in 2026 will reach IDR 2.458 trillion. However, the development of basic public services will continue; they cannot be reduced," Dedi said in Bandung on Thursday.

The reductions come from several items, including the Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH), which has decreased from IDR 2.2 trillion to IDR 843 billion, the General Allocation Fund (DAU) from IDR 4 trillion to IDR 3.3 trillion, and the elimination of IDR 276 billion in physical Special Allocation Funds (DAK). In addition, the non-physical Special Allocation Fund (DAK) for School Operational Assistance (BOS) was also revised from IDR 4.8 trillion to IDR 4.7 trillion.

With this reduction, the total 2026 West Java Regional Budget, originally projected at IDR 31.1 trillion, was revised to IDR 28.6 trillion.

The cuts, intended to close the budget gap, will be directed at several non-priority spending items, one of which is personnel spending, which will be reduced by IDR 768 billion.

As a result, the appointment of Civil Servant Candidates (CPNS) in 2026 will be postponed.

"If there are no development activities, ASN will also be unemployed. So it's pointless for us to appoint new CPNS," he said.

Other efficiency measures include reducing grant spending from IDR 3.03 trillion to IDR 2.3 trillion, including education grants that will be diverted to direct scholarships for underprivileged students.

Financial assistance to districts/cities will also be reduced from IDR 2 trillion to IDR 1.2 trillion, and spending on goods and services will be reduced from IDR 7.6 trillion to IDR 5 trillion.

Furthermore, Dedi also instructed savings on electricity, water, and other office facilities across all West Java Provincial Government offices.

"Electricity may only be turned on during working hours and when the room is in use. If not in use, turn it off, including air conditioning, water, and internet," he said.

Meal costs, which have been budgeted at IDR 5 billion, will also be cut.

"We'll just provide drinks. If you need food, cook it yourself and use a cook. No need for catering," he said.

Despite having to cut many budget items, the Governor ensured that the budget for road construction, bridges, schools, health facilities, and public street lighting would remain a top priority.

Dedi Mulyadi explained that this efficiency is a strategy to ensure the public continues to feel the government's presence even though regional fiscal pressures are underway.

"Roads must be smooth, bridges must be in good condition, schools must not be damaged, and streetlights must be on. We must continue to serve the people optimally, even though the budget has decreased," he said.