Speaking in Bandung, West Java, on Saturday, he described Hindayana’s decision as a gesture of integrity and responsibility, setting an example for other state officials to follow.
"He (Hindayana) returned the funds to me out of his awareness of his responsibility to the nation and the country. I thank him for this rather unexpected move," Prabowo remarked during a graduation ceremony at the Indonesian National University (UKRI).
The President explained that the government had allocated Rp71 trillion from the State Budget (APBN) for the implementation of the MBG program this year, including for the establishment of nutrition fulfillment service units (SPPGs).
He added that the government also amassed an additional Rp100 trillion (around US$6 billion) for the program from a budget efficiency policy applied across ministries and state agencies.
Prabowo acknowledged that achieving the target of building 30 thousand SPPGs within a year is a major challenge. Thus, Hindayana decided it was unnecessary to spend the entire budget this year, leading him to return the Rp70 trillion in excess funds to the state.
"All things considered, he returned the Rp70 trillion funds. I believe this is a very rare move in the history of the Republic of Indonesia," Prabowo said.
The President further praised Hindayana for avoiding the common practice of ministries and agencies spending all their budgets toward the end of the year.
"Usually, officials begin searching for activities to spend all their funds on in November," he noted.
He then assured the public that the returned MBG funds would be realigned to finance other people-oriented initiatives.
"We plan to use the Rp70 trillion funds to help those in hardship, including villagers and fishermen," he stated, describing Hindayana’s move as patriotic.
Launched on January 6, 2025, the MBG program has reached about 34.5 million citizens nationwide, supported by nearly 12 thousand SPPGs. With the allocated budget, the government targets to cover 82.9 million people this year.
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Translator: Rubby J, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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