JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has been hit with a significant budget reduction of Rp2.03 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The cut is part of the government’s broader efficiency measures following Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025, which mandates spending adjustments in the state budget (APBN) and regional budgets (APBD).

The decision was confirmed during a meeting between Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Kemenlu officials at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The budget reduction represents 20.53% of Kemenlu’s initial allocation of Rp9.89 trillion, leaving the ministry with a revised budget of Rp7.86 trillion. Dave Laksono, Deputy Speaker of the DPR, outlined the adjusted allocations across Kemenlu’s programs, including management support (Rp6.55 trillion), enforcement of sovereignty and international law (Rp10.85 billion), protection of Indonesian citizens abroad (Rp223.74 billion), multilateral cooperation (Rp493.55 billion), and international diplomacy (Rp583.39 billion).

Secretary General of Kemenlu Cecep Herawan explained that the Rp2.03 trillion cut comprises Rp1.49 trillion from goods expenditure and Rp540 billion from capital expenditure.

He emphasized that the ministry has made several adjustments to mitigate the impact of these cuts, particularly given the unique operational demands of Kemenlu and its overseas missions.

One of the most significant challenges lies in managing rental expenses for 99 overseas offices, residences, and diplomatic facilities, as well as housing allowances for 1,133 home staff stationed abroad. Cecep noted that cuts to travel budgets could also disrupt the rotation and reassignment of ambassadors, consuls general, and other diplomatic personnel, with approximately 750 employees and their families scheduled for relocation in 2025.

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