Cabinet Secretary Teddy Confirms Prabowo's Extra Overseas Trip Costs Borne Personally

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has issued a firm clarification regarding the funding of President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas trips. In his official statement, Teddy stressed that any additional costs exceeding the national budget are entirely covered by the President’s personal funds. This move aims to address public concerns and comments made by former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal on social media regarding the efficiency of state visit budgets. Beyond funding, Cabinet Secretary Teddy highlighted significant changes in presidential protocol management, particularly regarding the number of personnel accompanying the President, comparing current efficiency with previous administrations. “In the past, overseas trips could involve over 120 people, as was the case during Mr. Dino’s time. Under President Prabowo, the number is capped at 50 to 60,” Teddy stated in the Cabinet Secretariat’s official post on Monday (1/6). Teddy explained that overseas visits are not merely ceremonial but strategic moves to maintain national stability amid volatile global dynamics. Close ties with world leaders are crucial to safeguarding domestic interests. Specific benefits targeted from this active diplomacy include the IEU-CEPA agreement, under which the government projects zero tariffs on key Indonesian commodities entering European markets, expected to boost export values and strengthen the nation’s economic position internationally. (Ant/I-1)