"In the past two months, the ministry that I lead has saved billions of rupiah, following the issuance of the ban. If all ministries and offices at provincial and district levels would not easily decide to hold meetings at hotels, trillions would be saved," he informed Antara here on Tuesday.
Yuddy admitted that several tourism businessmen, especially hotel operators, have raised objections to the policy, but he pointed out that most importantly, the decision did not negatively impact the nation.
Even with regard to the policy, he said the funds used to hold meetings could be diverted to other more important projects.
Yuddy explained that the funds allocated for the meeting could be used for several other purposes such as building schools, providing subsidy for the poor, development of health facilities and roads, among others.
So, if the ban is implemented for the next five years, a significant amount of funds could be saved, and it would certainly benefit the state, he noted.
"Every service, government office, and ministry has been provided with a meeting room that can accommodate hundreds of people. So, it would be regrettable if the facility is not utilized and only becomes a symbol. I appeal to all state apparatuses to only use the budget for important purposes," Yuddy emphasized.
He stated that the funds derived from the meeting and official travel budget savings could be used for improving educational and health services or providing new employment opportunities.
Yuddy said he believed that hotel owners had ways to cover their losses.
"What is important now is that the benefits from budget saving could be felt by all people. The policy is also important to anticipate against any corruption or budget mark-ups," he added.
Reporting by Aditya A. Rohman
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
