Golkar Ready for Cabinet Members and Parliamentarians to Accept Salary Cuts Over Middle East Conflict Impact

President Prabowo Subianto is studying a proposal to cut salaries for cabinet members and parliamentary deputies in response to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The Golkar party is prepared to follow the salary-cut policy for ministers and House of Representatives members.

“If the country needs us, we are ready to have our salaries cut. This is not merely a matter of cost-saving but a form of our willingness to be sensitive to current conditions,” said Golkar General Secretary Sarmuji to journalists on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Golkar has invited other political parties, non-partisan officials, state-owned enterprises, civil servants, and the private sector to consider salary reductions as a cost-saving measure in response to the Middle East conflict’s impact.

“If everyone is willing to do so as we are, that would be better,” Sarmuji said.

Prabowo previously stated that several countries have taken adaptive measures in responding to the conflict situation in West Asia or the Middle East. Prabowo cited Pakistan as an example, noting that it has also cut salaries for cabinet and parliamentary members.

This was communicated by Prabowo during a Full Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March. Prabowo emphasised that the government cannot ensure security without taking proactive steps.

“We cannot assume that whatever happens we are safe. Yes, we are grateful that we are safe, but we have no effort to reduce our fuel consumption. Many countries have already taken steps,” he said.

“Many countries have already taken steps. Perhaps the Cabinet Secretary has slides to inform [us] how many steps. Here is Pakistan’s step. This is only for comparison,” Prabowo added whilst presenting a graphic presentation about the steps Pakistan’s government has taken in the crisis situation.