2025 State Budget: A Blueprint for Stability or a Path to Economic Risk?

Jakarta, INTI - Yesterday morning, Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, attended a plenary session at the House of Representatives (DPR RI) to provide the government's response to the general views of the DPR RI factions on the Draft State Budget (RUU APBN) 2025 and its Financial Note. During the session, Sri Mulyani expressed her highest appreciation for the support and input from all factions, which are crucial in the next stages of the discussion.

However, behind this appreciation lies a significant challenge that the government must face in drafting the 2025 State Budget. The world is currently dealing with a high level of global economic uncertainty, which demands the Indonesian government to design a budget that is not only flexible but also capable of ensuring national economic stability. The 2025 State Budget is designed to respond to these challenges by prioritizing stability, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

Flexibility Amid Uncertainty

Sri Mulyani emphasized that the design of the 2025 State Budget must be more flexible in facing the risks of global uncertainty. This high uncertainty requires the government to be prepared for various possibilities, from commodity price fluctuations, changes in global monetary policies, to the impacts of ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Therefore, the 2025 State Budget is crafted in such a way that it can quickly adapt to these changes.

The importance of this flexibility is reflected in the allocation of state spending, which continues to be driven towards greater efficiency and effectiveness. The government strives to improve the quality of spending through transparency and accountability, hoping to create a significant multiplier effect on economic growth and public welfare.

Priority on Human Capital Development

The 2025 State Budget also places the improvement of human capital quality as one of its top priorities. An education budget of IDR 722 trillion, a healthcare budget of IDR 198.7 trillion, and a social protection budget of IDR 504.7 trillion have been allocated to achieve this goal. Sri Mulyani explained that these budgets are intended to create a superior, healthy, and globally competitive Indonesian workforce.

In addition, the government has also allocated IDR 124.4 trillion for food security and IDR 400.3 trillion for infrastructure. These funds aim to ensure that the Indonesian people have adequate access to essential services, such as sufficient food and reliable infrastructure.

Government Transition and Economic Stability

The 2025 State Budget must also support the national development agenda amidst the process of government transition. Sri Mulyani stressed that the design of the 2025 State Budget is intended to ensure an effective transition process without sacrificing economic stability. The government is committed to continuing strategic projects already in progress while adjusting fiscal policies according to the prevailing political and economic dynamics.

DPR RI Support and Future Expectations

During the session, Sri Mulyani welcomed the support from DPR RI members to further discuss the 2025 State Budget in accordance with the existing legal framework. This discussion process is expected to run smoothly and result in the best decisions for the nation. Sri Mulyani also reminded that DPR RI's support is crucial in ensuring that the 2025 State Budget can be implemented effectively, thus facing global challenges while improving the welfare of the Indonesian people.

In conclusion, Sri Mulyani expressed hope that all parties can work together in fulfilling this mandate. She also prayed that Allah SWT would grant blessings and guidance in carrying out this heavy responsibility. By doing so, the 2025 State Budget can become an effective instrument in addressing global challenges and maintaining national economic stability.