JAKARTA (February 4, 2025) - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf stated that he would adjust operational costs in his ranks after President Prabowo Subianto issued instructions on the refocusing of the ministry's budget. He said that this step was an effort to build new awareness in managing finances.

"I want to invite, what the president wants must be considered as an effort to build new awareness, how we must manage the people's money well. And secondly, we must reduce operational costs but strengthen pro-people programs. That's the spirit," said Gus Ipul, the nickname of Saifullah Yusuf, Tuesday (2/4/2025).

He said that currently Ministry of Social Affairs is identifying what things can be done to save and be efficient. Among them, such as reducing seminar activities, and business trips, reducing office stationery (ATK) spending to limiting the use of air conditioning in the office.

"Making official travel more effective, for example, is one of them. For example, the business trips should be three days, but the next one or two days is enough. All of that can be adjusted," said Gus Ipul.

He emphasized that this budget refocusing will not disrupt Ministry of Social Affairs' programs in terms of helping the community.

"For example, there is a Free Nutritious Meal program for the elderly. Then it requires a fee to deliver IDR 2,000 per person. This program cannot run, but there is no fee for the person delivering it. This is what we are discussing with Ministry of Finance, very technical matters, but otherwise, we are ready to adjust," he said.

He ensured that President Prabowo was ready to provide support if his party needed additional funds related to the distribution of social assistance to the people.

"The President's commitment has not changed. Matters related to assistance for the people are continued, there is even a possibility that it can be added. If it is needed according to the existing data," he said.

"We know now that the data continues to be improved, God willing, this is final, after that, we will try random testing. Then we will try to confirm again if it is indeed final according to what is in the field, if additional costs are needed, of course, the president will provide full support," He added.

Gus Ipul also hopes that the presidential instruction on budget refocusing can form awareness among civil servants in ministries and state institutions in saving operational costs, such as electricity use.

"Hopefully with this Presidential Instruction, we will present a new habit of saving electricity and so on through restrictions," said Gus Ipul.

Previously, Ministry of Social Affairs budget was cut by IDR 1.3 trillion. This is following Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025 on Spending Efficiency in the Implementation of the 2025 State Budget and Regional Budget.