Controversy over President Prabowo's Overseas Travel Expenses Using Personal Funds
President Prabowo Subianto recently conducted a series of working visits to several countries. However, a statement from the Cabinet Secretary, Teddy Indra Wijaya, sparked public discussion. Teddy claimed that President Prabowo personally covered part of the costs for the official travel using his own money.
According to the palace, this step was taken as a form of efficiency and concern for the state budget. The President wants to set an example that state officials must be frugal in using public funds. This news initially received a positive response from some members of the public who considered it a commendable act.
However, this policy later drew criticism from legal experts and political observers. They assessed that the President's actions potentially violate the State Treasury Law. Based on prevailing legal regulations, all official travel expenses for state officials should be fully funded by the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).
Critics explained that using personal money for state duties could disrupt the principles of transparency and accountability. If travel costs are not officially recorded in the state financial system, then monitoring such activities becomes difficult. It is feared that this could set a bad precedent for future government governance.
In addition to legal issues, experts also emphasized the importance of following established procedures. Although the intention is to save state money, every action by a public official must remain within legal corridors so as not to cause administrative problems or suspicion in the future.
To date, the debate regarding this travel budget issue remains a matter of public concern. The government is expected to provide further clarification and continue to prioritize the rule of law so that all state activities remain transparent and accountable to the people.