KPK Requests Additional Rp726 Billion Budget for 2027, Sahroni Suggests Rp5 Trillion

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed an additional budget of Rp762.30 billion on top of its indicative ceiling of Rp1.23 trillion for 2027. The request for the increase was submitted by KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto during a budget working meeting with House of Representatives Commission III at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/6). Setyo stated that the KPK’s indicative ceiling for 2027 had decreased by approximately Rp349 billion compared to 2026. “So we note a decrease of Rp349 billion, or 22 per cent, compared to the 2026 budget year DIPA. The indicative ceiling is therefore Rp1.23 trillion,” Setyo said during the meeting. According to Setyo, the KPK’s budget increase would be allocated to a number of strategic programmes, ranging from management to the execution of technical duties and functions in prevention and enforcement programmes. He expressed hope that the proposed increase of Rp762.30 billion would be approved, especially as President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed his support for anti-corruption work. “We took note of the President’s directive during the consolidation programme for the Free Nutritious Meals initiative on 3 June in Sentul. He made a statement saying ‘whatever is needed’,” Setyo said. “Therefore, in relation to that statement, this will be relevant to the request we are proposing, or the additional amount we are proposing against the 2027 ceiling of Rp762.30 billion,” he added. Upon hearing the figure, House Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni, who was chairing the meeting, immediately interjected. He expressed surprise that the KPK was only proposing an increase of less than Rp1 trillion. “Mr Chairman, a moment, before we continue. So you are only requesting Rp762 [billion], is that right?” Sahroni said. Given the President’s statement, Sahroni argued, the KPK could secure a much larger budget. He even suggested the KPK propose an additional Rp5 trillion. “But my suggestion, Sir, a suggestion, because the President has already spoken. So, if you display in your presentation what you showed earlier, you can ask for anything and it will be given. Sir, propose Rp5 trillion! Don’t be half-hearted!” he said. “Later, if the President doesn’t give it, we’ll just play the video back. So the President gives the KPK a budget equivalent to the Attorney General’s Office. Do we all agree, friends?” he continued. In response, Setyo stressed that his agency did not want to be unrealistic. He said the figure had been carefully considered and calculated according to needs. “We are not being unrealistic; we are simply matching it to our needs, with the consideration that it is certainly for activities related to enforcement work units, then prevention, including coordination, supervision, and education on public participation,” Setyo said.