President Jokowi Supports Sri Mulyani to Cut 2016 State Budget

Photo Caption: President Joko Widodo during a door stop, after disseminating tax amnesty program on Monday (8/8), in Bandung, West Java

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo asserted that budget cuts must be done because the Government needs a credible State Budget.

The President also reminded all that we must be realistic and not over-optimistic.

“If we calculate it, re-calculate it, and we estimate that the budget cannot cover all, then we must be realistic. Do not be over-optimistic, considering the latest condition in global economy, we must be realistic,” President Jokowi told the reporters after disseminating tax amnesty program on Monday (8/8), at the Intercontinental Hotel, Bandung, West Java.

The statement was delivered by President Jokowi to respond the Plenary Cabinet Meeting taking place on Wednesday (3/8) which concluded that the Government must cut Rp65 trillion of the State Budget and Rp68.8 trillion of  transfer-to-regions fund because the 2016 tax income will potentially decrease significantly.

President Jokowi considered the measure taken by Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani is very reasonable and well calculated.

“Yes, I have agreed,” the President said.

Regarding the details of budget cuts, the President told the reporters to ask Minister of Finance about the technical stuffs.

However, the President admitted that the budget will mainly be cut from the operational and  official travel expenses.

(FID/RAH/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)