Prabowo Raises Prospect of Cabinet and Parliamentary Salary Cuts Amid Middle East Conflict

President Prabowo Subianto has raised the prospect of reducing salaries for cabinet members and parliamentary representatives amid global uncertainty.

He cited Pakistan as having already implemented such measures. “They have even reduced salaries for cabinet members and parliamentary representatives,” Prabowo said at a cabinet meeting held at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday (13 March).

Prabowo indicated that savings from salary reductions would be collected and redirected to assist the most vulnerable groups. He also called on all parties to implement fuel consumption savings measures, citing the spike in global oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He again pointed to steps taken by Pakistan, including implementing a work-from-home policy. “All government and private offices operate at 50 per cent capacity from home. Then their working days are cut to just four days,” he said.

Prabowo noted that Pakistan had also cut fuel allocations for all ministries and mandated that 60 per cent of government vehicles remain unused. The country has also suspended all vehicle and furniture procurement across all government agencies for an unspecified period.

“They have halted all foreign visits, and they have reduced or prohibited the use of government funds for celebrations and similar events,” he said.

Higher education institutions have also been instructed to conduct teaching and learning activities online.

“These are merely examples. My point is that over the next few days we should review this matter. I believe we too must seek to implement austerity measures,” he said.