I strongly support budget efficiency as it has the potential to reduce corruption and waste. However, the application of this efficiency feels misplaced when it impacts the education sector. Education, which should be the foundation for realizing the “Golden Generation 2045” (which now seems like just a slogan), is ironically affected.
It appears that education is not a primary priority for the current administration, which is more focused on allocating funds to the free lunch program. In reality, free lunch programs and education are equally important in nurturing the nation’s future talents.
Efficiency should also be implemented in the government sector, where the welfare of officials is already more than adequate and is often reflected in extravagant lifestyles. Reducing spending in this sector could be allocated to more urgent needs.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight the competitive innovation programs between government agencies. I understand the importance of innovation, but it would be better if these competitions were interspersed with cooperation between agencies to avoid wasting resources. The budget allocated for these competitions is certainly not small, as each agency may spend significant funds to create these innovations.
Reference:
Efisiensi Anggaran: Hemat atau Malah Merugikan Masyarakat?
5 Tujuan Program Makan Siang Gratis, Prabowo-Gibran Bertekad Tingkatkan Gizi Anak Bangsa
Daftar gaji dan tunjangan pejabat negara 2019-2024
INNOVATIVE GOVERNMENT AWARD - Indeks Inovasi Daerah