Mahfud MD On Government Policy: Not All Are 'Wheight', Many Are Also 'Win'

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud Md. at Balairung Universitas Gadja Mada (UGM), Sleman, DI Yogyakarta, Thursday (20/2/2025). ANTARA

JAKARTA - Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said that many policies of President Prabowo Subianto's government were "explained" and needed respect.

Mahfud made this statement in response to the hashtag "Illegal Indonesia" which was widely discussed on social media.

"Oh no, not all of them are 'dark'. Many are also 'bright' and those who are bright don't need to be protested," he said at Gadja Mada University Hall, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta, Thursday, February 20, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to him, although there is something that needs to be criticized, it does not mean that all government policies are bad.

Mahfud then gave an example of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program as one of the government policies that need to be appreciated.

"I think it's good as a program," he said.

In addition, Mahfud also highlighted the budget efficiency policy currently being implemented by the government.

He argues that efficiency is a necessary step to optimize the use of the state budget.

"Who says efficiency is bad? Since the New Order era we have been angry because the country is not efficient, then reforms have also come out because the state budget is not efficient," said Mahfud.

Mahfud then reminded all parties that inefficiency has actually been a problem since the New Order era.

Quoting the findings of economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who was none other than President Prabowo's father, he said the inefficiency rate at that time reached 30 percent.

"Well, now that may continue the findings of Pak Prabowo's father, we must continue the efficiency. We respect that," he said.

However, Mahfud emphasized that the application of efficiency must also be selective so that it does not just target the budget in sectors that actually require greater attention.

"But it must be criticized. If this field (original cut) is 10 percent, this field is 20 percent, this field is 60 percent. Well, it's cut into pieces," he said.

According to Mahfud, the policy needs to target inefficient state spending such as kickbacks in projects, non-essential official travel, and flexible (shower) practices among officials by utilizing the state budget.

"Well, I think it should be streamlined, and Pak Prabowo is right in my opinion," said Mahfud.