Prabowo Open to Defense, Police Budget Cuts for Poverty Eradication

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has opened the possibility of reducing defense and police budgets if the funds are needed to accelerate poverty eradication efforts. Prabowo made the statement when attending the Simultaneous Harvest with the TNI in Malang, East Java, Friday, July 17, 2026. "We will save the budget. We will make it efficient. If necessary, the defense budget, our police budget will be reduced to eliminate poverty," said Prabowo. He then asked the TNI and Polri ranks present whether they were willing to accept the policy. "Willing to TNI? Willing to the police?" he said. Prabowo did not explain the amount of the budget that might be cut, the programs that would be affected by the reduction, nor when the policy could be implemented. He emphasized that defense strength is not only determined by the size of military spending. According to the President, the welfare of the community is an important part of national resilience. "The best defense is a strong and prosperous people. All people will defend this nation," said Prabowo. The statement was made when Prabowo discussed the government's target of eliminating poverty, hunger, and extreme poverty. He assessed that children who are currently in elementary school will be the main strength of Indonesia in 2050. Therefore, the government must ensure that they receive a decent life and education. Prabowo also asked the TNI and Polri to remain directly involved in overcoming community difficulties. He rejected the view that the army and police should not be involved in dealing with food, bridges, clean water, and other basic needs. "TNI, Polri harus mengatasi kesulitan rakyat," katanya. However, Prabowo has not explained how the planned savings in the defense and police budgets will be coordinated with the need for modernization of the main tools of the weapons system and security services. Source: VOI English