President Prabowo Subianto's decision to host a week-long glamping retreat for hundreds of regional leaders in Central Java has drawn heavy criticism amid government budget cuts. The retreat, costing 13.2 billion rupiah (US$808,000), is seen as a wasteful expenditure by many, especially given Prabowo's recent order for 306.7 trillion rupiah (around US$19 billion) in budget cuts.
The Indonesian government is set to host a week-long mountain glamping retreat for hundreds of regional leaders, sparking criticism as President Prabowo Subianto implements budget cuts across the government. Over 500 mayors, governors, and regents will be taken to a military-style academy in the Central Java city of Magelang, where the recently inaugurated president's cabinet stayed in luxury tents in October.
The 73-year-old former general, accused of rights abuses under dictator Suharto in the late 1990s, has pledged to drill and unite the country's top politicians, choosing the mountains of Central Java for that mission. The camping trip will take place between February 21 and February 28, presidential spokesman Hariqo Wibawa Satria told AFP, confirming Prabowo would attend in some capacity. The regional heads will be trained on good governance, improvement of public services, and 'chemistry building', he said. But the gathering - costing 13.2 billion rupiah (US$808,000) from the home ministry budget - has prompted outrage online and criticism from NGOs. 'What's the urgency? Why should it be glamping with aides? A cheaper version of camping should be doable,' a user posted in Indonesian on social media site X. 'It’s embarrassing’: Indonesia’s civil servants bemoan lack of toilet paper, drinking water as Prabowo’s budget cuts bite The criticism comes as Prabowo slashes budgets across the government after ordering cuts of 306.7 trillion rupiah (around US$19 billion) last month. Another user said the government was trying to implement 'budget efficiency but, on the other side, is busy wasting money holding a retreat'. Transparency International Indonesia in a statement called Prabowo's cuts 'counterproductive and insensitive' to the needs of society, particularly 'the massive burden of the state budget for providing training to regional heads'.Hariqo defended the event, saying the training used to take one-and-a-half months hosted by two different institutions, so the shortened retreat was in line with Jakarta's cost-cutting drive. 'The budget saving must be carried out but the regional heads' retreat also should be carried out. Both can be carried out simultaneously,' he said. Images released from Prabowo's cabinet retreat after his inauguration in October showed him and his ministers dressed in camouflage military gear. Rights advocates have raised concerns that Prabowo and key allies like Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin could strengthen the role of the military in the secular democracy of around 280 million
INDONESIA PRESIDENT PRABOWO SUBIANTO BUDGET CUTS GLAMPING RETREAT REGIONAL LEADERS MILITARY ACADEMY CRITICISM Ngos RIGHTS ABUSES
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on First State Visit to IndiaIndonesian President Prabowo Subianto is in India for his first state visit, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. He will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade and meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Read more »
Prabowo Subianto's First 100 Days: Successes, Challenges, and Indonesia's BRICS RoleIndonesian President Prabowo Subianto enjoys high approval ratings, thanks to his populist programs. However, his presidency has also faced some obstacles. Professor Poppy Winanti analyzes the first three months of Prabowo's term, his diplomatic initiatives, and Indonesia's position within the BRICS group.
Read more »
Indonesia's Civil Servants Feel the Pinch of Prabowo's Budget CutsIndonesian civil servants are facing the impact of President Prabowo Subianto's budget efficiency drive, with some ministries' budgets slashed by more than half. The cuts, aimed at saving US$15.76 billion, have led to restrictions on drinking water, toilet paper, and air conditioning, and longer working hours. Civil servants express concerns about the blanket approach and the impact on essential programs.
Read more »
Balenciaga's 'The Zero' Barefoot Shoe Sparks Mixed ReactionsBalenciaga's latest offering, 'The Zero', a minimalist shoe that exposes most of the foot, has generated both praise and criticism. While some appreciate its design and potential health benefits, others find it bizarre and impractical.
Read more »
Hope and Apprehension: Trump's Return Sparks Uncertainty in US-China RelationsAs Donald Trump returns to the White House, Chinese officials and businesses express a mixture of hope and apprehension about the future of US-China relations.
Read more »
Elon Musk's gesture sparks Nazi salute comparisonsElon Musk's enthusiastic hand gesture during a speech at a pro-Trump rally has sparked comparisons to a Nazi salute online. While some users accused Musk of making a deliberate gesture, the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitism, believes it was an awkward moment of enthusiasm.
Read more »