DPR Says Presidential Qurban Aid Using National Budget Not New, Previous Presidents Did Same

Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), Sugiat Santoso, stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial animal aid programme using the national budget (APBN) is not new. He explained that using state funds for social activities is standard practice for a head of state, as it is part of official duties to assist the public.

“This is a routine matter in state affairs. As head of state, the President has a budget allocated to help the people,” Sugiat said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He added that the presidential Qurban programme has been in place since previous administrations, not just under President Prabowo. The aid, he noted, benefits thousands during Eid al-Adha.

Sugiat emphasised that the President’s assistance extends beyond sacrificial animals, with funds also supporting education, healthcare, and public facilities. “It’s not just Qurban. Presidential aid covers many areas such as education, health, and public infrastructure. Don’t see this as something new,” he said.

Previously, President Prabowo distributed 1,098 Qurban cattle for Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriyah, all sourced from local farmers and comprising premium breeds weighing over 800 kilograms to 1.3 tonnes.

Deputy Minister of the State Secretariat, Juri Ardiantoro, stated the cattle breeds included Simmental, Limousin, Peranakan Ongole, Brahman, Angus, Bali cattle, FH, Belgian Blue, and Charolais. He added that the procurement budget of approximately Rp10 billion came from the national budget’s presidential social assistance allocation, with prices adjusted based on weight and regional locations.