TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto spoke up against budget leaks within the government, where the allotted budget is significantly bigger than what is received in return.

"Don't you hear about it often enough? The budget is this much, but what I get is less than that? That's right," said Prabowo while addressing teachers and school heads for Sekolah Rakyat (people's school) at the Jakarta International Expo, Central Jakarta, on Friday, August 22, 2025.

The head of state admitted he's bewildered at which point the budget is embezzled. He said the issue must be addressed and must never happen again.

The former Minister of Defense mentioned that budget leaks also occur in other countries. According to Prabowo, an Indian figure told him that budget leakage is severe in the South Asian country. For example, when the government earmarked 100 rupees, only 15 rupees were disbursed. "But it's improved now, from 100 to 60," he said.

A similar occurrence is happening in Indonesia, but the 74-year-old president pledged to work hard for the welfare of the people. "Together with the ministers, I dedicate heart and soul to the people," he said.

Prabowo then highlighted the presence of "foreign stooges" in Indonesia. According to him, whether conscious or not, many people have become foreign stooges and are unwilling to see Indonesia rise. Nevertheless, Prabowo said the Indonesian government will strive in the right direction. "I believe Indonesia is experiencing a resurgence," he said.

Prabowo then claimed that the Indonesian government has gained control over natural resources, but it takes a workforce to maintain that wealth. This can be achieved through education, Prabowo said, so he's committed to avoiding budget leaks for the education sector. "If possible, 100 percent should reach the people," he said.

Corruption Scandal at Ministry of Manpower

Prabowo conveyed the budget leak concern amid the graft scandal involving former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, or Noel. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) designated Noel as a suspect in extortion against companies requesting occupational safety and health (OSH) certification at the Ministry of Manpower.

Prabowo then fired Noel as the Deputy Minister of Manpower. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo issued a presidential decree regarding Immanuel's dismissal.

Besides Noel, the KPK named 10 other individuals as suspects, bringing the total suspects to 11.

This case is the result of the sting operation KPK launched on Wednesday, where it arrested 14 individuals in various locations, consisting of employees in the Ministry of Manpower and private entities.

KPK Chair Setyo Budiyanto said Noel was involved in the extortion case to issue OSH certificates. Workers were supposed to pay only the official fee of Rp275,000. However, they were asked to pay up to Rp6 million.

KPK's Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, said the extortion practices have been ongoing since 2019. Despite Immanuel Ebenezer only taking office in 2024, he's aware of the practice and demanded a share. 

"Noel requested and received Rp3 billion and a Ducati motorcycle," said Asep.

Eka Yudha Saputra and M. Rizki Yusrial contributed to the writing of this article

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