Speaking at the Congress of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday, he informed that the current state budget capacity is only sufficient to repair around 20 thousand schools nationwide.
"We have 330 thousand schools. The budget for school repairs can only cover around 20 thousand schools. Therefore, we reduced the overseas travel budget to add the repair cost," he said.
According to the President, official travel abroad is only valid for state duties and studies.
He warned civil servants against making unnecessary official trips abroad, and even refrain from traveling overseas for five years, if needed.
"Do not go abroad for five years if necessary. Those who need to go abroad are on assignments such as study or state assignments. Do not make up international assignments. If you want to travel, use your own money," he emphasized.
He then explained the reason he often goes on official duties abroad, namely to fulfill invitations as the Head of State to attend important conferences for the benefit of the nation.
Prabowo also questioned the need for state officials to hold frequent discussions, including comparative studies, with other countries.
"Why keep on doing discussions and comparative studies on poverty eradication but going to, for example, Australia? Australia is one of the ten richest countries in the world, why study in Australia?" he asked.
He described the poverty alleviation program as an absolute program to help the people, along with the repair of damaged schools and roads.
Besides slashing the overseas travel budget, the President has also issued Presidential Instruction 1 of 2025, which mandates a Rp306 trillion (USD18 billion) reduction in the government budget for the State Budget and Regional Budget.
The budget will be allocated to fund more important programs for the community, such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), food and energy self-sufficiency, and health sector improvements.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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