Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto asks ministers and subordinates not to excessively conduct seminars and to refrain from making working visits abroad. In addition, the Head of State also reminds subordinates not to engage in excessive 'leisure activities' and to take more actions.
This was conveyed by Prabowo during a speech at the declaration event of the National Solidarity Movement (GSN) at the Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno Complex, Central Jakarta, on September 2, 2024.
"Coincidentally, many ministers were present. I also request that your members refrain from traveling abroad too much. If you want to travel abroad, you can use your own money," said Prabowo.
Initially, Prabowo discussed the state budget that would be used for free nutritious meal programs. However, he mentioned that there are millions of children who lack uniforms, making it difficult for them to attend school.
Prabowo then asked his subordinates to reduce seminars, business trips, or benchmarking trips abroad that waste the budget. "What kind of studies are you going to do? You already know what the problem is, don't do too many studies."
Prabowo admitted that it is indeed difficult to prevent subordinates from traveling abroad. Because he experienced it firsthand when his members in Gerindra asked for permission to travel abroad. Prabowo recalled that a few years ago, five members of the Gerindra faction in one district requested permission to travel abroad. Prabowo then refused to allow his party's legislative cadres to go abroad.
These five members of the regional legislative council were recently elected in a district on one of the islands in the eastern region. They pleaded with Prabowo that they had never been abroad in their entire lives.
"Oh, the chairman's heart was softened. 'We have this opportunity, Sir, there is a plan for all council members to benchmark in Hong Kong," said Prabowo. "Eventually, I said, 'okay, this is the last time.' And off they went."
Prabowo stated that currently, the most important thing is not traveling abroad. He said that the focus of officials should be on solving the people's issues. "So please, convince all our subordinates to reduce trips abroad," said Prabowo.