Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Reminds Civil Servants to Save Water, Electricity, and Consume Moderately in Line with Prabowo's Directives

JAKARTA - The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti has reminded Civil Servants (ASN) in the Ministry of Education environment to follow the directives of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding efficiency and energy saving.

“The President has repeatedly reminded us: turn off the AC if there are no people around. Turn off the lights if there is no activity. And what else? Water, don’t turn it off, but use it sparingly,” said Mu’ti in his speech at the National Halal Bihalal event in Central Jakarta on Monday (30/3/2026).

Mu’ti emphasised that these saving efforts also apply to the consumption sector during meetings, where he suggested that the refreshments should not be too heavy.

He suggested that dishes for meetings or events at the Ministry of Education should only provide steamed food rather than fried items.

“It is best that we switch to natural, plant-based dishes. Instead of bakwan (fried fritters), better to have boiled items. Instead of stuffed tofu, just the plain tofu,” he said.

Not only consumption, Mu’ti reminded his subordinates not to travel too often using private vehicles.

“This is what the President has emphasised repeatedly. Apologies, but if travelling, no need to use a car, just don’t use a car. Alhamdulillah, our office in Jakarta is the most strategic among all ministries because it’s right in front of the MRT station,” he stated.

“But the point is the President’s directive: we must start implementing efficiency from small things, but if many people carry it out routinely, it will have a significant impact on efficiency in our ministry,” he added.