Cabinet Secretary: President Covers Additional Foreign Trip Costs

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed that any additional costs incurred during President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign trips are personally covered by the Head of State, while also addressing various concerns regarding the funding of these visits.

In an official statement from the Cabinet Secretariat in Jakarta on Monday, Seskab Teddy Indra Wijaya responded to and expressed appreciation for former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal’s comments on President Prabowo’s foreign travels.

“The issue of overseas costs has been explained multiple times. Any excess expenditure beyond the government’s allocated budget is entirely borne by President Prabowo personally,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

This addresses Dino’s criticism in a social media video where he alleged the trips were excessively expensive.

“Previously, delegations for foreign trips could exceed 120 people during Dino’s time. Now under President Prabowo, the maximum is 50 to 60,” he added.

The Cabinet Secretary also explained that state visits are conducted to foster close relationships between world leaders and their respective nations.

This is crucial given current global dynamics, including the conflict in Ukraine and crises in the Middle East.

He also highlighted the implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), set to take effect in 2027, which will impose zero tariffs on Indonesia’s key commodities.