Purbaya Speaks Candidly on Prabowo's Overseas Travel Expenses

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa admitted that he cannot provide specific details regarding the controversy surrounding President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas official travel expenses, including the additional costs covered by the President personally.

He stated that the matter has been fully addressed by the Cabinet Secretariat, specifically by Teddy Indra Wijaya. “I cannot answer that question, as Mr Teddy has already explained it; we shall adhere to Mr Teddy’s statement, as there are no specific rules [on this matter],” Purbaya said at his office in Jakarta on Friday (5/6/2026).

Nevertheless, Purbaya considers it perfectly reasonable for a Head of State to use personal funds to cover overseas official travel expenses. “If I have money and I travel, and for example, I cover the deficit, is that not allowed? Logically, it is permissible if one chooses to cover the difference,” Purbaya asserted.

He also confirmed that the official travel expenses for the Head of State are indeed detailed within the State Budget (APBN), as regulated by Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) Number 66 of 2020. However, he noted that the specific details remain confidential. “There is certainly a budget allocated. If you want to see the President’s secrets, well, that is not permitted. We know the figures, but you should ask the State Secretariat if you want a definitive answer,” he added.