Prabowo Criticizes Regional Spending, Singgung Rp8 Billion Governor's Government Car

JAKARTA - Prabowo Subianto highlighted the use of regional budgets that are not fully productive, while referring to the purchase of regional heads' official cars with a fantastic value of Rp8 billion.

According to Prabowo, there are still many basic needs of the community that have not been met, such as the construction of village bridges, but the regional budget is actually used for things that are not a priority.

"There are many costs that should be implemented by districts and provinces that are not implemented. For example, the bridge, the village bridge, the people have to scream, the president has to intervene. Sorry, there is village funds, where is the money? Where is the regent, the governor's funds? But, okay, I take responsibility. So, we have to be open, we have to be fair," said Prabowo in a question and answer session with journalists at Prabowo's private residence, Hambalang, Bogor, which aired on Thursday, reported by ANTARA.

The President said the current pattern of regional spending was still not efficient, including in the use of the budget for official facilities.

"Many officials, in my opinion, this is not efficient. You see for yourself. We are open. There is a district, eh the local government, how much did he buy the governor's official car? Rp. 8 billion," said Prabowo.

For comparison, Prabowo emphasized that he used domestically produced official vehicles at a much lower price.

"I am the President of Indonesia. I use an Indonesian-made Maung car. The price is Rp. 700 million. Maybe because this is the President, there is an anti-bullet, maybe it will be Rp. 1 billion. But, it's not up to Rp. 8 billion. We investigate everything, efficiency," said the President.

The Head of the State also emphasized the importance of awareness and responsibility of regional heads in managing public budgets, especially so that they are really used for the benefit of the people.

"After that, it's a working visit, that's what we ask for. Awareness, sense of responsibility, right?" said the President.

Prabowo reminded that the main task of regional heads is to serve the community, not just spend the budget.

"The regent works for his people, the governor works for his people, that's what we ask," said Prabowo.