Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has warned regional administrations not to "challenge" the central government, saying Jakarta has often stepped in to handle responsibilities that should have been carried out by provincial and regency governments.
"Do not challenge the central government. Many expenditures that should be handled by regencies and provinces are not being carried out," Prabowo said in a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026.
Prabowo made the remarks during a question-and-answer session at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, which ran from Wednesday night, March 18, into the early hours of Thursday. He was responding to questions from journalists and experts invited to the gathering.
The president said the central government has repeatedly assisted with development projects in the regions, even though the funding had already been transferred to local administrations.
He cited the example of bridge construction, saying some regional governments failed to build needed infrastructure in their areas until the central government intervened.
Prabowo also questioned how regional budgets are being spent, arguing that the public often does not feel the benefits of local government expenditure.
"There is village funding. Where did the funds go? Where did the regents' and governors' budgets go?" he said.
The former defense minister also criticized what he described as inefficient spending by regional governments, particularly on officials' facilities such as official vehicles.
"There are many officials who, in my view, are not efficient. You can see for yourself. There is a regional government – how much did they spend on the governor's official vehicle? Rp8 billion," said the Gerindra Party chairman.
The issue of spending on officials' facilities recently drew public attention after East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud planned to purchase an official vehicle worth Rp8.5 billion using the regional budget. He later canceled the plan following public criticism.
"We firmly state that, God willing, this decision will not disrupt the government's performance. Public service tasks will continue to run optimally, and our focus will remain on the welfare of the people," Rudy said on his Instagram account, @h.rudymasud, on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Rudy also apologized to Indonesians, especially East Kalimantan residents, over the controversy surrounding the vehicle procurement plan. He said his administration would remain focused on serving the public and that constructive criticism would strengthen the provincial government's efforts.
Separately, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) urged the public to continue monitoring government performance, particularly in the procurement of goods and services. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the sector requires careful planning based on actual needs, as well as proper implementation of allocated funds.
– M Raihan Muzzaki contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2093820/prabowo-warns-regional-govt-not-to-challenge-central-gov