DPR Reminds RAPBN 2025 Must Be The Government's Rambu In Policy Flats

DPR-MPR Building. (Dino Januarsa-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian House of Representatives asked the Government to ensure that in drafting policies in 2025 it prioritizes pro-people programs following the large Draft State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBN) reaching Rp3,613.1 trillion. Wanti-wanti from the DPR this must be a sign for the Government.

"Because the DPR is a representative of the people, it is only natural that the message from the DPR is used as signs by the government when drafting policies," said Economic Expert Piter Abdullah Redjalam in a statement, Wednesday, August 21.

When receiving a statement from the Government regarding the Draft Law (RUU) of the 2025 State Budget and its Financial Note from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, reminded that the new government of the elected president, Prabowo Subianto, would be given space in the preparation of the 2025 State Budget. This is considering that the majority of the use of the 2025 State Budget will be the Prabowo administration which will be inaugurated in October.

According to Piter, the message from Puan was to ensure that there would be no political turmoil that would hinder people's economic development in the future.

"Because as stated by Puan Maharani, APBN funds come from people's money and therefore must be fully utilized for the benefit of the Indonesian people," said the member of the Bank Indonesia Supervision Agency (BSBI).

To the government, Puan also advised that the state budget be prioritized for health services, education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development that support people's economic activities.

"In the midst of various dynamics that affect the global economy, Puan's message becomes relevant considering the current economic challenges that are not easy which certainly have an impact on people's lives," said Piter.

The lecturer at the Perbanas Institute also said that the message from the DPR to the Government to be careful in spending state money should not be underestimated. Piter said the government needed to hear input from the DPR as a working partner who prepared a joint work program for the benefit of the people.

"We see the economic challenges of the Rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar which are predicted to increase to a relatively high interest rate in the future, so state policies must be carefully and appropriately drawn up," he said.

In the RAPBN submitted by President Jokowi, the Government allocated a budget of IDR 722.6 trillion for education, the social protection budget was allocated IDR 504.7 trillion, the health budget was planned at IDR 197.8 trillion, or 5.5 percent of state spending, the food security budget is planned at IDR 124.4 trillion, infrastructure development is budgeted at IDR 400.3 trillion and the regional transfer budget is planned at IDR 919.9 trillion. Rupiah.

With that large budget, Piter said the DPR should pay more attention to state spending. Moreover, this APBN will be used by two different governments.

"Political maturity aimed at by the DPR RI under the leadership of Puan Maharani by continuing to support the current government and the upcoming government will have a positive impact on the economy," said Piter.

"The message from Puan can also ensure that strategic programs from the President-Elect Prabowo, including free nutritious eating programs, can be carried out completely without obstacles, so that the impact on the economy can be maximized," he continued.

Sebelumnya saat menerima keterangan Pemerintah atas RUU APBN 2025 beserta Memoran Keuangannya dari Presiden Jokowi, Ketua DPR RI Puan Maharani mengingatkan agar penyusurangan anggaran pada RAPBN 2025 harus memperhatikan kepentingan masyarakat.

"The state budget funds come from public money, therefore State Expenditures, must be more allocated and effective in facilitating the people in obtaining health services, education, and obtaining economic empowerment," said Puan in front of Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto, Friday, July 16.

"Then in building facilities and infrastructure in supporting people's economic activities, and so on, the main thing is the people who receive the benefits of state spending," added the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan added, the Government must be able to have measurable indicators of all program budget allocations in each ministry and institution, which show that state spending meets quality spending criteria or spending better, and not just better shopping or better to spending.

The government must solve various structural problems, so that the target of greater economic growth, so that Indonesia can get out of the middle income trap, said the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives. According to Puan, there is still a lot of homework (PR) that must be resolved. Especially structural problems such as food sovereignty, energy, economic inequality, poverty, job creation, industry, populist economy, human resources, and so on.

"This is our challenge in the future, which must get effective handling from the aspects of policies, programs, budgets, governance, and human resources of the government," explained Puan.

The DPR Commission XI also conveyed a wish in charge of state financial affairs. In the preparation of the 2025 RAPBN, the Government is asked to pay close attention so that all programs are effective and on target.

"The big figure in the APBN should not only be a symbol of pride, but must serve as an instrument that really brings fantastic changes in the lives of the Indonesian people," said Member of Commission XI, Charles Meikyansah, Tuesday, August 20.

"The fantastic number of the 2025 State Budget must be used appropriately, transparently and with high accountability in its management. Prioritize pro-people programs," he added.

Charles reminded that the 2025 State Budget should be used as an instrument that really brings change to all Indonesian people. He said the state budget should be an effective tool to improve people's welfare, strengthen the economy, and realize social justice.

This member of the Budget Agency also reminded that the 2025 State Budget must be directed at sectors that directly touch people's daily lives. Charles detailed such as for the health, education, and social sectors which are expected to be used as the main budget allocation next year.

"Development in terms of infrastructure is important, but do not ignore the needs in the people's thrill sector. Mainly for people from vulnerable families," explained the member of the Banggar DPR RI.

"With such a large budget, the Government must ensure that the funds allocated to these sectors are actually managed effectively and efficiently, so that people can feel the benefits directly," Charles continued.

According to him, one of the biggest challenges in managing the state budget is supervision. Charles also asked the Government to carry out extra supervision to ensure that each rupiah allocated is used appropriately and transparently to prevent waste and misuse of the budget.

The legislator from the East Java IV electoral district also emphasized the importance of the Government to pay attention to the state debt which has now reached Rp8,500 trillion. Although the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was recorded to have decreased to 38.68 percent, Charles asked the Government to study wisely in terms of debt management and state finances.

"The government needs to be vigilant in managing the RAPBN. It must be done wisely to ensure that Indonesia's debt can provide maximum benefits for the community," he explained.

"And of course the management of state finances must be carried out in a transparent manner and as much as possible for the people," he said.