Prabowo's Directive: Social Assistance Unaffected by Budget Efficiency Measures

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, stated that the budget efficiency policy directed by President Prabowo Subianto will not affect the basic needs of the people, including social assistance.

The statement was made by Gus Ipul after performing Eid al-Fitr prayers at the National Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya on Saturday (21/3/2026).

According to Gus Ipul, budget efficiency is essentially aimed at expenditures that can still be postponed, not programmes directly related to public interests.

“Efficiency is basically for things that can still be postponed. But those concerning public interests will certainly not face efficiency. What will be reviewed is what can be postponed, what is a priority, and what is merely ceremonial,” said Gus Ipul.

He explained that the President’s directive is very clear, namely to ensure that state budget is used more effectively, especially in a global situation that demands caution and fiscal policy effectiveness. Therefore, the evaluation will focus on non-urgent expenditure items or those that are merely ceremonial.

Gus Ipul assured that the government will continue to prioritise public needs. Programmes directly related to public protection, he said, will be maintained, including social assistance for vulnerable groups.

“What concerns public needs such as social assistance and so on will not face efficiency. In fact, if needed, the President will add more,” he said.

Gus Ipul emphasised that social assistance remains an important state instrument in maintaining public resilience, especially for citizens who need it most.

According to Gus Ipul, the government’s policy remains grounded in public interests and the sustainability of priority programmes that directly address community needs.