Beware of Hoaxes, Budget Efficiency Programs Do Not Disrupt Education and Public Services
By Febrianti Anwar
Budget efficiency policies will not reduce the government’s commitment to providing optimal public services. The budget efficiency measures taken by the government will not affect education and public service policies at all.
In recent times, the issue of the government’s budget efficiency policy has raised concerns among the public, especially regarding its impact on the education and public service sectors. Various false news or hoaxes have begun to circulate, stating that these efficiency measures will disrupt education, increase the Single Tuition Fee (UKT), and reduce public services. The public needs to be aware of this misleading information and understand the real facts so as not to be provoked.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has emphasized that the budget efficiency measures taken by the government will not affect university policies related to UKT. The efficiency in question is more focused on saving activities such as business trips, seminars, and ceremonial events that often absorb large budgets without having a direct impact on the public. This step aims to create more effective and targeted budget management, without sacrificing the education sector.
The government realizes that education is the main pillar of national development. Therefore, the operational budget for universities and various scholarship programs remains a priority. Sri Mulyani ensured that the budget allocation for the 2025 Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) scholarship remains at IDR 14.69 billion, which will be given to more than one million students. There are no cuts or reductions in this budget. Likewise, other scholarships such as LPDP, the Indonesian Education Scholarship from the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Indonesia Bangkit Scholarship from the Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to run in accordance with applicable regulations.
The news that there will be an increase in UKT due to budget efficiency is incorrect information. The government has ensured that the adjustment of UKT will only be discussed for the 2025-2026 academic year, and the decision has nothing to do with the budget efficiency policy. Scholarship recipients are also advised not to worry because the programs they receive will not be disrupted.
Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi also emphasized that budget efficiency will not reduce the government’s commitment to providing optimal public services. The issue of termination of employment (PHK) of honorary workers and Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) due to budget efficiency was also denied. The government continues to prioritize the welfare of educators and public sector employees as part of efforts to maintain the stability of public services.
This efficiency policy should be understood as a strategic step by the government to create healthier state financial governance. The focus of savings is directed at activities that are considered to have less direct impact on the community, such as excessive official travel and ceremonial activities. Thus, the funds saved can be allocated to priority programs that are truly beneficial to the people.
This decision is in line with the President’s instructions contained in Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2025. The Presidential Palace, through the Head of the Presidential Communications Office Hasan Nasbi, emphasized that this efficiency policy will not affect education services, including school improvements, university operational costs, and scholarship programs. The government’s commitment to human resource development remains a priority.
In a situation like this, the public is expected to be able to be critical of every piece of information received. The rampant hoaxes regarding the budget efficiency policy must be responded to intelligently. Check the source of information, ensure its truth, and do not be easily provoked by parties who deliberately take advantage of this situation to create unrest.
Academics, students, and educators are also expected to play an active role in providing the public with the correct understanding regarding this policy. Campuses as centers of education must be at the forefront in countering hoaxes and disseminating valid information. That way, a conducive atmosphere in the educational environment is maintained, and the learning process can run smoothly.
In addition, the government also needs to continue to strengthen public communication. Socialization related to the implementation of the budget efficiency policy must be carried out massively so that the public is not easily influenced by misleading issues.
