Foreign Ministry Pledges Efficient Citizen Protection Following Budget Cuts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armanatha Nasir, spoke up about the affecting all state institutions, including the ministry. He said the policy is not intended to restrict the functions and tasks of the Foreign Ministry, but for the sake of budget efficiency.

"We see it as an opportunity to boost efficiency across various task implementations, including in handling cases of citizen protection,” said Arrmanatha during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Arrmanatha emphasized that the budget cut will not affect the ministry’s performance in protecting citizens overseas. He explained that the ministry’s budget is allotted based on priority cases, with special funds set aside over the years for Indonesian citizens residing in conflict areas.

Previously, ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat, also known as Roy, spoke about the budget cut to support priority programs, including free nutritious meals (MBG). He said the Foreign Ministry will adjust to the policy and will not be restricted by the efficiency program.

"We will make adjustments fully without sacrificing fundamental matters. I don't think that is the most common concern at the moment," he said on February 7.

As quoted from the Tempo Newspaper for January 31, 2025, President Prabowo instructed ministries and institutions to save the 2025 fiscal year budget, with a target of Rp306.6 trillion.

's order is outlined in Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 on Spending Efficiencies in the Implementation of 2025 Fiscal Year State Budget and Regional Budget, issued on January 22, 2025.

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