Analyst: People's Budget Not Just About Availability but Must Be on Target

Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio has responded positively to the statement by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya regarding the commitment to the budget for the People’s Festival, which affirmed that “the budget will definitely be there”. The man familiarly known as Hensa assesses that this principle must be consistently applied to all strategic programmes that touch the lives of ordinary people. Hensa appreciates the government’s step in ensuring the availability of funds for activities involving the wider community. According to him, the sustainability of such programmes can help reduce economic pressures on society gradually. “It’s good if it’s for ordinary people, as long as the budget is there. The government should frequently organise events involving small-scale participants, so that the burden on society decreases and they can live more happily,” said Hensa on Monday (30/3/2026). Although he appreciates the availability of funds, Hensa offers critical notes regarding budget governance. He emphasises that the quantitative aspect of the budget must be accompanied by clear and targeted quality allocation. Hensa urges the government not to only provide consumptive assistance, but also structural aid that empowers society, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) actors. “Appreciation if the programme activities always have budgets, but it would be very good if the allocation placement is also clear and precise. For example, not just giving fish, but the fishing rod. Programmes need to be created that prioritise UMKM so they can advance structurally,” said Hensa. Furthermore, Hensa hopes that the spirit of “the budget is definitely there” spreads to other national priority programmes. He stresses the importance of budget commitment in the education and food security sectors, which are currently the government’s focus. He details several programmes that must be consistently monitored, from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, UMKM strengthening, to the development of People’s Schools. “From MBG, the budget is definitely there. UMKM, the budget is definitely there. People’s Schools, the budget is definitely there. In short, if it’s for the people, the budget must always be available and on target,” Hensa concluded.