Minister Of State Secretary Explains Prabowo's Directions On Budget Savings For Efficiency

Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi gave an explanation regarding Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 1 of 2025 concerning government budget savings. This step, according to him, is a form of the government's commitment to increase efficiency and effectiveness in budget use.

"About the Presidential Instruction on budget savings, the meaning is the same as emphasized by the President. We need to be more selective in choosing productive activities and having a direct impact," said Prasetyo, Thursday, January 23.

Prasetyo also mentioned the possibility of budget savings results to be allocated for free nutritious food programs (MBG) up to Rp 100 trillion. Although there is no definite figure, he emphasized that this program is one of the government's top priorities.

"The president wants the benefits of the MBG program to be felt immediately by the community evenly. The results of this savings will most likely be allocated to support the program," he explained.

Regarding budget savings technical regulations, Prasetyo said the regulation was still in the finalization stage. "Soon it will be completed. After the President's visit abroad, this regulation will most likely be released," he added.

When asked about the impact of saving on transfer funds to the regions (TKD), Prasetyo was waiting for further explanation from the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati. However, he ensured that the spirit of efficiency remained productive and did not harm the regions.

"The ministry/institution (KL) understands this spirit of togetherness. The President asks that savings be made in activities such as seminars, comparative studies, working visits, and official travel. If we can save tens of trillions, the budget can be used for productive things," he said.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto instructed the government's budget efficiency of IDR 306.69 trillion in the APBN and APBD for Fiscal Year 2025. This directive is contained in Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 concerning Expenditure Efficiency in the Implementation of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) and Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD).