Clarifying the Rp 103 Billion Issue, Minister of Cooperatives: Not a Specific Budget for Podcasts

The Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, has clarified reports regarding a Rp 103 billion budget allegedly allocated for podcasts. He emphasised that the budget is not specifically intended for podcasts, but rather relates to the public communication needs of the Ministry of Cooperatives in supporting the dissemination of cooperative programmes and policies to the public.

This clarification was made by Minister Ferry during a Working Meeting with Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) regarding the discussion of the Ministry of Cooperatives’ Work Plan and Budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year in Jakarta, on Tuesday (1/9/2026). The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chairman of Commission VI, Eko Hendro Purnomo, and attended by officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives and members of Commission VI.

Regarding the reports claiming the Rp 103 billion budget was for podcasts, Ferry explained that the figure represents part of the requirements for public communication and support for the wider execution of the ministry’s duties, rather than a budget dedicated solely to podcasts. According to Ferry, the budget allocation covers the implementation of public relations functions, public communication, documentation, publication, as well as support for administration, information technology, and infrastructure.

“Public communication is not just about podcasts. Podcasts are merely one communication channel. There are functions for public relations, administration, information technology, infrastructure, documentation, publication, and various other supports required in the execution of the ministry’s duties,” said Ferry.

He added that public communication also requires professional knowledge and expertise to ensure that information regarding government policies and programmes can be delivered accurately, clearly, and reach a wide audience.