"Efficiency must be implemented. Budget revisions and revitalization are necessary processes. This efficiency should address unnecessary spending that does not align with our targets," Iskandar stated on Monday.
The minister noted that the budget efficiency policy has undergone thorough examination and consideration, highlighting the need for budget revisions and revitalization as part of the process.
"Many people may object (to the efficiency policy), but this is necessary. It is like taking a bitter pill. It may be hard to swallow at first, but it should ultimately benefit the country. We all have to accept this, and I strongly support efficiency," Iskandar stated.
The minister also noted that the budget efficiency will be evaluated later. He supports the finance minister's policy of cutting funding for projects that are not high priority.
Thus, budget efficiency guidelines can be effective if implemented with a clear strategy.
The minister added that priority should be given to reviewing budgets for programs with a broad and significant impact on communities.
"Hence, after the efficiency, there will be a review process. This review will identify the projects that are a priority. That is why discussions in the House of Representatives are halting for the revision first, and then we will see which projects are genuinely vital," he remarked.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, stated that the budget efficiency policy can be a momentum to improve the quality of budget spending by regions.
According to Sugiarto, the policy would indirectly bolster the bureaucratic reforms carried out by the government so far.
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Translator: Azmi M, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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