Prabowo Exposes Budget Leakage Schemes: I Will Stop Them!

President Prabowo Subianto has revealed that state budget leakages are still occurring and has committed to stopping them immediately. He stated that the funds, amounting to trillions of rupiah, are being safeguarded by the government and redirected towards infrastructure development and school renovations.

This was conveyed by Prabowo during his speech at the 28th Anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) on Thursday (23/7/2026). Prabowo mentioned that the potential for state losses is substantial, reaching up to Rp 1,000 trillion.

‘The state budget is 270 billion US dollars, roughly Rp 3,700 trillion. So if 30 percent leaks, that means more than Rp 1,000 trillion is lost. I am stopping this,’ Prabowo said.

Prabowo emphasised he will halt the leakage of state funds that has been manipulated by various parties. He noted that these unlawful practices are also prevalent in the regions. ‘I want to shut down these schemes from many parties. We must introspect. We all know, ladies and gentlemen, even in the regions, everyone knows what is happening. Right?’ he said.

Prabowo stressed that any form of budget mark-up will be dealt with. He stated that his administration has implemented budget efficiencies, saving up to Rp 300 trillion. ‘This is what we have saved in the first few months of the government we lead. We managed to save Rp 300 trillion,’ he said.

Prabowo explained that the saved state funds can be diverted to programmes directly benefiting the public, such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme and the construction of bridges in the regions. ‘This is what we use for MBG. This is what we use for the bridges mentioned earlier. We will build five thousand bridges by December 2026. If necessary, we will build more. Villagers do not want to wait any longer. Previously, they walked for an hour, crossed using a rope, crossed using boxes. We will overcome this,’ he said.

In addition, the funds saved from budget efficiencies will also be used to renovate schools that have long been neglected. ‘Schools are collapsing, collapsing. By the end of the year, I have instructed that 100,000 schools, which have not been touched for decades, be renovated,’ Prabowo continued.

It is noted that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was also present at the 28th PKB Anniversary. Party leaders in attendance included Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia, Democrat Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), PKS President Al Muzammil Yusuf, and PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan. Also present were party elites such as Gerindra Daily Chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, NasDem Treasurer Ahmad Sahroni, PAN Secretary General Eko Patrio, Golkar Treasurer Sari Yuliati, PDI Perjuangan DPP Chairman Djarot Saiful Hidayat, Democrat Secretary General Herman Khaeron, and PSI Deputy Chair Isyana Bagoes Oka.