Sahroni on KPK's Rp726 Billion Budget Increase Request: 'Ask for Rp5 Trillion, Don't Be Half-Hearted!'

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed an additional budget of Rp762.30 billion for 2027. Deputy Chairman of House Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, expressed surprise at the request, which he considered still too low.

Initially, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that the commission’s indicative budget ceiling for 2027 was Rp1.23 trillion. Setyo noted this figure represented a decrease of approximately Rp349 billion from the previous year.

‘The KPK’s indicative ceiling for 2027 has decreased. We immediately noted a reduction of Rp349 billion, or 22 percent, compared to the 2026 budget year DIPA. So the indicative ceiling is Rp1.23 trillion,’ Setyo said during a working meeting with House Commission III at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/6/2026).

He mentioned the budget would be allocated to several programmes, including management support and the execution of technical duties and functions within prevention and enforcement programmes. The allocation for these programmes amounts to Rp9.3 billion.

‘When compared by type of expenditure, Rp1.31 billion is allocated for employee spending, while goods spending is set at Rp201.7 billion,’ he revealed.

Setyo then proposed an additional budget of Rp762 billion. He referenced a statement made by President Prabowo Subianto in Sentul some time ago.

‘Honoured leaders and members of Commission III, we have certainly taken note of the President’s directive during the consolidation of the Free Nutritious Meal programme on 3 June in Sentul. He made a statement: “whatever is needed”. Therefore, in relation to that statement, this will be relevant to the request we are proposing, an additional Rp762.30 billion to the 2027 ceiling,’ he said.

Sahroni, who was chairing the meeting, admitted he was confused by the proposal. Setyo responded that his agency was requesting an amount adjusted to its needs.

‘Mr Chairman, wait, before we continue. So you are only requesting an additional Rp762 billion?’ asked Sahroni.

‘We are not being excessive; we are simply adjusting to our needs, with the consideration that this is certainly for activities related to enforcement work units, prevention, as well as coordination, supervision, and public participation education,’ Setyo answered.

Sahroni retorted by again bringing up the President’s statement that Setyo had mentioned in the meeting. Sahroni then urged the KPK to request an additional budget of Rp5 trillion.

‘But my suggestion, Sir, just a suggestion, because the President has already spoken. So, if you displayed it in your presentation earlier, you can ask for anything and it will be given. Sir, ask for Rp5 trillion! Don’t be half-hearted! If the President doesn’t give it later, we’ll just play the video back. So the President will give the KPK a budget equivalent to the Attorney General’s Office. Do we all agree, friends?’ Sahroni said.

Setyo stated that the proposal submitted by the KPK had been carefully considered. He said the commission would maximise the funds if the proposal were realised.

‘The point is, based on the 2026 experience, there was a reduction and a sharpening of focus. We would be very supportive if there were no such sharpening. So the hope is that with the additional Rp762 billion, this can already accommodate our needs,’ Setyo explained.

‘Other matters, such as support for newly appointed civil servants or CPNS who have been sworn in, have already been proposed through other mechanisms to the Ministry of Finance,’ he added.