Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has revealed that some bureaucrats are actively resisting his efforts to cut unnecessary government spending. He referred to these officials as “litle kings” who believe they are above the law and refuse to comply with his directives.
Speaking at the 17th Congress of Muslimat NU in Surabaya on Monday, Prabowo emphasized his administration’s commitment to eliminating wasteful expenditures and curbing corruption within the bureaucracy.
“I want this to stop, to be cleaned up. Are there people resisting me? Yes,” Prabowo said. “In the bureaucracy, some feel untouchable, as if they are already small kings.”
Redirecting Funds to Education and Child Welfare
Prabowo did not specify who these defiant bureaucrats were but stressed that the savings from budget cuts would be used for feeding Indonesian children and improving schools.
Indonesia has approximately 330,000 schools, yet the government’s current budget only allows for the renovation of 20,000 schools. President Prabowo argued that redirecting funds from unnecessary foreign trips and other non-essential expenditures would accelerate educational improvements.
“How many years will it take to fix 330,000 schools? That’s why we are cutting foreign trips,” he stated.
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A Firm Stance Against Bureaucratic Resistance
Prabowo warned that bureaucrats who continue to resist his budget policies would face public backlash, particularly from Indonesian mothers.
“You can oppose Prabowo, but later, you’ll have to face all these mothers,” he said. “Stubborn officials don’t need to go abroad. If necessary, they should stay in the country for the next five years.”
Prabowo’s remarks highlight the challenges of bureaucratic reform in Indonesia, where entrenched officials often resist changes that threaten their interests. His administration’s focus on budget efficiency and anti-corruption measures signals a push for greater accountability in government spending.
(Becky)
