Minister Dody assures no negotiation on Rp12.7 trillion efficiency

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assured that he will not engage in negotiations with President Prabowo Subianto regarding the budget efficiency policy of Rp12.7 trillion implemented in his ministry.

“Oh, negotiation. In my opinion, no, I don’t want to negotiate, why negotiate?” Dody stated in Jakarta on Saturday.

According to Dody, the government’s efficiency measures are believed to be based on strong considerations, so as the President’s aide, he chooses to execute the policy optimally and with full responsibility.

“As a general aide, if I’m told to work, of course I will. If I have no money, I’ll say I have no money. That’s it. And the 2025 experience tells me it can be done easily,” he explained.

With that capability, the ministry can flexibly adjust programmes, including shifting focus to community-based infrastructure development, which is deemed to have a more direct impact on the wider community.

“My directorate generals are all experts in their fields. So they can easily switch from some areas to meet community-based infrastructure needs,” he said.

Dody acknowledged that community-based infrastructure is one of the important sectors that remains prioritised because it can provide hope and economic benefits to lower-income groups amid the current economic conditions.