President Prabowo Subianto has directed the government to enhance budget efficiency and focus on programs that build long-term self-reliance instead of short-term aid.
To date, Rp508 trillion has been earmarked for social protection. Iskandar said the allocation could reach Rp1,000 trillion (US$60.2 billion) next year through efficiency measures and better-targeted empowerment programs.
The 2026 Draft State Budget proposes Rp508.2 trillion for social protection, an 8.6 percent increase from this year's Rp468.1 trillion allocation.
The government plans to prioritize sustainable interventions that enable economically disadvantaged citizens to achieve self-reliance and break the cycle of poverty, moving beyond short-term aid such as staple food assistance.
"The use of every rupiah from the state budget must be oriented toward empowering communities," Iskandar said, emphasizing measurable social impact for all programs.
President Prabowo tasked the ministry with ensuring policies strengthen national resilience and deliver tangible benefits to job seekers, workers, and low-income families.
"It is crucial for ministries, agencies, and regional governments to work in synergy to maximize empowerment efforts," he added, stressing coordination and collaboration.
Through this new approach, over 77,000 families previously receiving aid under the Family Hope Program (PKH) became self-reliant this year, with projections of 300,000 families achieving independence in 2026.
Related news: Indonesia's social aid distribution runs smoothly in Q4 2025: minister
Related news: Indonesia tightens social aid rules, targets eligible recipients
Translator: Anita P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
