Refusing to Reveal the Amount of the Prabowo Government Travel Budget, Purbaya: Ask the Mensesneg

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa spoke up regarding the controversy over the use of President Prabowo Subianto's personal funds to cover excess foreign travel expenses.

According to Purbaya, there is no rule that prohibits someone from using their personal funds to increase certain cost requirements.

He also emphasized that the explanation regarding the issue had been conveyed by the Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

"I can't answer that question. That's what Teddy explained, right, we hold Teddy's statement. There is no rule," he said at the APBN KiTa Press Conference, Friday, June 5.

However, he was reluctant to discuss further about the use of the President's personal funds to cover the excess cost of official travel.

Previously, this issue emerged in the midst of a debate regarding the intensity of President Prabowo's foreign visits, and in his statement, Teddy stated that the excess cost of the President's official travel was borne using personal funds.

Responding to the aspect of state financial regulations, Purbaya assessed that the use of personal funds to increase the cost of official travel was not a problem.

He likened the condition to someone who chooses to spend his personal money to cover the shortfall.

"If I have money, I go, for example, I'm a nombok, can't I? Logically, it's okay if you want to nombok," he said.

Purbaya also ensured that the President's official travel budget had been allocated in the State Budget (APBN), as with other state operational expenditures.

"There is definitely a budget," he said when asked about the President's official travel budget.

However, when asked about the amount of the President's official travel budget in the 2026 State Budget, Purbaya refused to provide details.

He suggested that the question be asked to the Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

"You want to see the President's secret? Yes, we can't know the number. Just ask the Setneg if you want a definite answer," he said.

On the other hand, if you refer to the Minister of Finance Regulation Number 66 of 2020 regarding the amount of components and procedures for accountability for the cost of official travel of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, all official travel expenses of the Head of State are basically borne by the State Budget.

This provision is the legal basis for the financing of the official travel of the President and Vice President by the state.