"It is because budget efficiency does not affect substantial components," he said here on Tuesday, affirming that university scholarships will be untouched by budget cuts.
He affirmed that the budget efficiency is targeting only those aspects that are considered non-substantial, such as working visits or ceremonial activities, therefore, the scholarship budget is intact and unaffected by the policy.
"Hence, we should not allow university students to drop out of their course due to the budget efficiency," the deputy minister said.
Meanwhile, in response to university student demonstrations opposing the budget cuts, Fauzan described the protests as an integral part of Indonesia's democracy.
"However, if they perceive the budget efficiency also targets substantive components, they are wrong," he said.
The deputy minister also urged university students and lecturers, given their intellectual privilege, to examine and address the issue comprehensively.
On February 14, 2025, Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi stressed that the budget cuts will not affect scholarships and educational operations.
"The government ensures that educational services such as, for example, the operations of universities, scholarships, and the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), will not be affected," he said.
Nasbi informed that four key sectors—employee salaries, employee priorities, public services, and social assistance—will remain untouched by the efficiency measures outlined in Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 concerning the Efficiency of the State Budget and Regional Budget.
The PCO head added that education falls under public services, thus, its budget will remain unaffected.
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Translator: IC Senjaya, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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