Among the expenses that must be cut, according to him, is the budget amounting to Rp44.4 trillion for purchasing stationery for all ministries and institutions.
“This is why President Prabowo is trying to carry out efficiency in ministries and institutions,” Ahmad said here on Tuesday.
The President will also be strict in providing assistance to ministries and state institutions by involving law enforcement officers to monitor big projects.
"And there are also many (parties) who are not happy if later on, for example, President Prabowo is rather strict in providing assistance in ministries and institutions by involving law enforcement officers from the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) or the Attorney General's Office, in order to oversee these projects," he added.
President Prabowo has asked the KPK to assist the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH) in organizing Hajj this year.
Related news: Prabowo urges officials to reduce overseas work trips for efficiency
The assistance, Ahmad said, is important due to various findings and notes related to the 2024 Hajj organization, including discrepancies in additional Hajj quotas allocated by the Saudi Arabian government versus those determined through consultations with Commission VIII of the DPR.
The departure of the first flight group (kloter) of Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims this year is planned from May 2–16.
The government and the Hajj Costs Working Committee of Commission VIII of the DPR have approved the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage Organization Cost (BPIH) of Rp89.4 million (US$5,300).
Prospective Hajj pilgrims will pay a Hajj Pilgrimage Travel Cost (Bipih) of Rp55.4 million (US$3,200) per person.
The costs cover flights, accommodation at Mecca and Medina, and living expenses during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Compared to the 2024 Hajj costs, the BPIH has declined by Rp4 million (US$239). The BPIH in 2024 amounted to Rp93 million per pilgrim (US$5,500).
Related news: Indonesia's ministry to cut costs by limiting visits
Translator: Aji Cakti, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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