Budget Cut by Rp 12.7 Trillion, Minister of Public Works: It's Fine, We Have Experience

KOMPAS.com - Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo is already aware that the Ministry of Public Works’ budget has been cut by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. The amount of the cut reaches Rp 12.7 trillion. Dody accepts this cut because the president’s directive to prioritise budget efficiency must be followed, with the mechanism regulated in the Ministry of Finance Letter number S-181/MK.03/2026 dated 1 April 2026. The Ministry of Public Works will maximise the remaining budget of Rp 106.18 trillion, down from the previous Rp 118.89 trillion. Dody claims that the efficiency experience from 2025 serves as a reference for carrying out the ministry’s main duties and functions in 2026. “As a general assistant, if I’m told to work but I don’t have money, I ask for it—that’s it, and the 2025 experience tells me it can be done easily,” he explained. The working rooms of Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo and Deputy Minister Diana Kusumastuti were also targeted. The Jakarta Attorney General’s Office explained that the search was related to allegations of criminal corruption. They were escorted by a TNI soldier. When asked by media crews, one of the investigators gave a brief answer. “Going to pray, pray,” he said. The press release explained that the search was conducted in several rooms of the Directorate General of Water Resources and the Directorate General of Human Settlements because of alleged criminal corruption in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The search action was carried out based on the investigation warrant number PRINT-09/M.1/Fd.1/04/2026 dated 9 April 2026. “I gave permission, I even said for my room, go ahead. And I have informed my security chief that if they (the officers) want to enter my room, go ahead,” said Minister Dody.