President Prabowo Calls for Reduction in Overseas Travel to Boost Budget Efficiency

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged state officials to cut back on overseas travel in an effort to improve budget efficiency and prioritize the completion of key programs benefiting the public.

Speaking at the commemoration of Muhammadiyah’s 112th anniversary in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday, President Prabowo emphasized that reducing official overseas trips could significantly help reallocate funds toward priority national projects. The event was broadcast on the YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat.

Prabowo revealed that the country currently spends up to US$3 billion annually on overseas work-related travel. He proposed a 50 percent reduction in such expenditures, estimating that this move could save approximately Rp15 trillion (around US$940 million). These savings, he argued, could be redirected to vital programs, including infrastructure development and the Free Nutritious Meals program.

The president’s directive is part of a broader strategy to minimize spending on non-essential activities, particularly ceremonial and celebratory events. He noted that Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and her ministry’s deputies had already identified areas where expenditures could be trimmed to focus more effectively on priority programs.

Prabowo further called on regional leaders, including governors and district heads, to adopt similar budget efficiency measures, emphasizing the need for strict, focused spending that prioritizes the interests of the people.

“I want it to be reduced by 50 percent. If it can be reduced by 50 percent, we can save Rp15 trillion,” Prabowo said, stressing the importance of cutting unnecessary costs and channeling the funds into critical programs.