"It should be noted that the 13th salary and Eid THR constitute rights of civil servants that the government should fulfill. The finance minister has also made a statement regarding this matter," PCO head Hasan Nasbi said at his office in Jakarta on Friday.
He made the statement to dismiss rumors that the government is planning to withhold these payments due to this year's budget efficiency policy put forward in Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 and a letter issued by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
Nasbi highlighted that the government's move to pursue efficiencies in the state and regional budgets does not entail slashing the funds allocated for civil servants' wages and allowances.
"The efficiency policy is not intended to affect the salaries of civil servants," he stressed.
Earlier, on Thursday, Finance Minister Indrawati assured the public that her team will proceed with the payment of the 13th salary and Eid al-Fitr allowance.
The state treasurer appealed to the public to wait for further announcements about the payments.
"Just wait. We will process the payments," she stated in Jakarta.
President Prabowo Subianto has decided to push for slashing state and regional budgets by Rp306.69 trillion (around US$18 billion) this year.
Through instruction No. 1 of 2025, signed on January 22, 2025, the head of state has urged that the spending of ministries and agencies be reduced by Rp256 trillion and called for a cut of Rp50.59 trillion in transfers to regions.
Meanwhile, Indrawati, in her letter, explained that the efficiency policy targets spending in 16 areas, mandating budget cuts of varying percentages, ranging from 10 percent to 90 percent.
She added that the efficiency push will not affect funds allocated for officials' salaries and social assistance.
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Translator: Mentari D/Livia K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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