Ade Ridwan Yandwiputra, Jakarta – The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has criticized the budget formulation and cuts under President Prabowo's administration, calling them constitutionally flawed. The foundation argues that these reductions were made solely based on a presidential instruction (Inpres), which bypasses proper legal procedures.
YLBHI chair Muhamad Isnur pointed out that according to Article 42 of Law No. 62 of 2024, adjustments to the 2025 state budget must be deliberated with the House of Representatives (DPR). "Therefore, the budget changes based on Prabowo's recent Inpres lack legal foundation, are misguided, and are constitutionally flawed," Isnur said in an official statement on Tuesday, February 11.
In Inpres No. 1 of 2025, issued on January 22, Prabowo instructed both central and regional government agencies to reduce the 2025 budget by Rp306.7 trillion (Rp306,695,177,420,000). This decision is expected to weaken key state institutions critical for protecting human rights and overseeing law enforcement.
"This proposed budget revision should be submitted by the Government as a Bill to amend the 2025 State Budget Law, and must receive approval from the DPR before the end of the 2025 fiscal year," Isnur emphasized.
Several institutions are set to be impacted by these cuts, including the National Human Rights Commission or Komnas HAM, which saw its budget reduced by 46%, from Rp112.8 billion to Rp52.1 billion. The Judicial Commission's budget was also slashed by 54.35%, from Rp184.52 billion, affecting its ability to monitor judicial proceedings across the country.
The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), another vital institution for upholding justice for civilians, is also faced with a significant 62% budget cut, with its funding dropping from Rp229 billion to Rp85 billion.
In stark contrast, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) received a 7.34% increase in its budget compared to the previous year. "These extensive budget cuts are disastrous for Indonesia's legal and human rights landscape and will severely disrupt the delivery of justice," Isnur remarked.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1973959/ylbhi-calls-prabowos-budget-cuts-constitutionally-flawe