A number of ministers recommended by Jokowi are considered as not performing well. Some are maneuvering to avoid being removed.

The President's cronies and supporters are benefiting from a free nutritious meals project. A foundation established by Prabowo Subianto is participating.

The government funnels state funds into State Logistics Agency to boost the absorption of rice and unhusked grain. But it must compete with middlemen.

There are no clear criteria for the budget cuts imposed on ministries and agencies, and there is an impression of favoritism.

The government’s budget cuts are targeting spending deemed wasteful. However, the size of Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet contradicts his austerity rhetoric.

Regional governments are identifying budget items that can be trimmed. Some are covering expenditure needs by taking on debt.

Prabowo Subianto slashes state spending to finance the free nutritious meals program as sluggish tax revenues drain the state treasury.

Prabowo Subianto’s decision to increase the tax on luxury goods was not right. It is amateur governance.

The planned increase in VAT was canceled at the last minute. Mass pressure and political lobbying changed the president’s decision.

The new Tempo’s website is easier to navigate. Hopefully, Tempo will remain consistent in reporting.

The government’s decision to block the state budget’s allocation for social assistance is dangerous. Campaign interests may be the reason.

The 2024 State Budget’s automatic adjustment funds are redistributed to social assistance programs and fertilizer subsidy. This policy may be in violation of two laws.

Policymakers love the power of social media. Sometime, they prioritize improving their images over tackling the roots of problems.

Three government institutions have different versions regarding the suspicious transactions of Rp349 trillion at the finance ministry.

There are indications that customs officials are not taking resolute action against those smuggling luxury cars. The reform of the finance ministry bureaucracy has failed.

A summary of the week’s news on the huge transactions discovered in the finance ministry, the transfer of the Haris-Fatia case to the prosecutor's office, and the verdict received by the Kanjuruhan Tragedy defendants.

Huge assets owned by tax officials prove the failure of bureaucratic reforms in the ministry of finance. There is a need for more stringent monitoring.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on the Rafael Alun Trisambodo case and the measures being taken to restore public trust.

Sri Mulyani was included as a candidate for governor of Bank Indonesia. After getting some new whispers, Jokowi chose Perry Warjiyo again.

If Sri Mulyani really becomes a serious candidate for Bank Indonesia governor, the financial market will see a negative signal. The brakes that safeguard prudent financial policy might very well come loose.