Golkar States Ministers and Parliament Members Ready for Salary Cuts if State Requires

JAKARTA — Golkar Party Secretary General Muhammad Sarmuji stated that Golkar cadres serving as ministers and Members of Parliament are prepared to accept salary cuts if the state truly requires such measures.

Sarmuji described this willingness as a symbolic gesture demonstrating sensitivity to national conditions and readiness to adapt should the government implement austerity policies.

“If the state requires it, we are prepared to have our salaries cut. This is a symbolic effort showing that we are sensitive to circumstances and ready to adapt,” Sarmuji told Kompas.com on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Golkar’s Faction Chair in the House of Representatives assessed that the government must prepare various policy scenarios to address uncertain global conditions.

“The government must already be conducting simulations about what can be done to manage the situation,” Sarmuji concluded.

Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto highlighted Pakistan’s approach to reducing government expenditure amid global turmoil, including fallout from conflicts between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Prabowo cited Pakistan’s implementation of various austerity measures, ranging from ministerial salary cuts to restrictions on official vehicle usage.

He assessed that Indonesia should study such policies, particularly as global oil prices rise.

Prabowo made these remarks while leading a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Prabowo also referenced Pakistan’s austerity measures, including salary reductions for senior state officials.

“They have even reduced salaries for cabinet members and parliament members,” Prabowo said.

Savings from these measures are subsequently redirected to assist the most vulnerable segments of society.