Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa addressed inquiries regarding the funding of President Prabowo Subianto’s overseas official travel during the APBN KiTA press conference on Friday, June 5, 2026. The discussion centered on the practice of utilizing personal funds to cover costs that exceed the government-allocated budget for state visits.
Purbaya confirmed that while presidential travel is supported by state funds, the specific budget figures remain confidential. He directed further inquiries regarding precise financial data to the State Secretariat.
Did You Know? Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa noted that there are no specific regulations prohibiting a head of state from using personal funds to cover travel expenses, characterizing the practice as a logical option when costs exceed state allocations.
Addressing External Concerns
The clarification follows public discourse initiated by former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal, who had suggested that President Prabowo reduce the frequency of international trips to improve fiscal efficiency. In response to such concerns, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya previously stated via the official Secretariat Cabinet Instagram account that any expenses surpassing the state budget for these visits are fully covered by the President personally.
Purbaya emphasized that the government relies on the statements provided by Teddy regarding the handling of these costs. He maintained that the administration of these funds is a matter for the Secretariat Cabinet, noting that he would not provide further details on the use of personal contributions.
Expert Insight: The intersection of state-funded diplomacy and personal expenditure creates a unique transparency challenge. While the government maintains that all official travel is budgeted, the reliance on private funds to bridge potential gaps may lead to ongoing public debate regarding the necessity of such expenditures versus state-led fiscal austerity measures.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation regarding state travel efficiency continues, the government may face increased pressure to clarify the protocols surrounding “top-up” payments for official duties. The State Secretariat will be required to provide further transparency to address public questions about the balance between state budgets and personal financial involvement in presidential diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the government’s stance on the President using personal money for official travel?
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that there is no rule against it and described the practice as a logical and valid option if the President chooses to cover costs exceeding the state budget.
Are presidential travel expenses disclosed to the public?
No. Minister Purbaya confirmed that while the travel is funded by the government, the specific figures are considered confidential and are not subject to public disclosure.
Why did the issue of presidential travel costs arise?
The discussion was sparked by a suggestion from former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal, who advised President Prabowo to reduce the frequency of overseas trips to save costs and improve work efficiency.
How do you view the balance between maintaining active international diplomacy and the necessity for fiscal restraint in government travel?
