Jusuf Kalla Delivers Advice on Economy to Diplomacy to Prabowo, Ready for Direct Meeting
Jakarta - The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, has conveyed advice on various matters, including the economy and diplomacy, to President Prabowo Subianto.
These recommendations were compiled from several figures who met him at his private residence throughout the month of Ramadan 1447 H. The advice was received by the Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia on 25 March 2026.
“They are mostly academics, university people, professionals. No party members or anything like that. All professionals and academics, professors. With good intentions to provide policy advice to Mr President,” said Jusuf Kalla at his residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Sunday (5/4/2026).
Regarding regional government, one of them is that he asked President Prabowo to consider many things before carrying out local government budget efficiency.
This is because local governments could potentially be unable to work on repairing damaged roads and bridges.
He suggested that transfer budgets to regions, as well as budgets for education, health, and infrastructure development, should not be cut abruptly to maintain a budget deficit of 3 percent.
“The budget back in my time was 30 percent for regions, now it’s down to 17 percent. In the end, regions can’t do much. Roads are damaged and can’t be repaired because the budget is cut for needs like free meals, cooperatives, or defence equipment. As a result, everything is cut in the regions, including that budget,” said JK.
“How according to communication experts, communication from the government to the public should be. That is in accordance with the meeting I conveyed yesterday. Yes (the proposal) has been received by Mr President’s office on 25 March. So 10 days ago, 11 days ago,” stated JK.
Various similar advice was also conveyed to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto.
Furthermore, JK admitted he is willing to meet directly with President Prabowo if the time allows.
“The President is very busy, so sometimes it’s hard to meet. But if he has time, I am willing to come to convey what that is,” emphasised JK.