TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Several Indonesian ministries and state agencies have requested significant budget increases for 2027 during parliamentary discussions on next year's state spending plans, arguing that current indicative allocations are insufficient to fund priority programs, operational needs, and institutional expansion.
The proposals were presented during a series of working meetings with House of Representatives (DPR) commissions following the government's release of preliminary budget ceilings for the 2027 fiscal year.
Among the institutions seeking additional funding are the National Police, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Human Rights, and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).
National Police Request Additional Rp61.1 Trillion
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) proposed an additional Rp61.1 trillion (US$3.7 billion) for 2027, citing personnel costs, operational expenses, and preparations for securing the 2029 general elections.
Deputy National Police Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo said the force's indicative budget allocation of Rp118 trillion would cover only around 66 percent of its projected needs, estimated at Rp178.6 trillion.
The proposed increase includes Rp4.5 trillion for personnel expenses linked to changes in retirement-age regulations, Rp20.9 trillion for operational spending, and Rp40.6 trillion for capital expenditure.
PPATK Seeks Funding Boost to Combat Financial Crimes
The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Indonesia's anti-money laundering watchdog, requested an additional Rp516.4 billion for 2027.
PPATK chief Ivan Yustiavandana said the additional funding would strengthen efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and online gambling.
The agency's indicative allocation stands at Rp253.3 billion. Of the proposed increase, Rp106.1 billion would support administrative and operational needs, while Rp410.3 billion would fund investigations, data management, domestic and international cooperation, information technology development, policy formulation, and staff training.
Human Rights Ministry Requests Rp492.9 Billion
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai proposed an additional Rp492.9 billion after the ministry recruited 500 new employees this year, bringing its workforce to around 1,800 personnel.
According to Pigai, the salaries and operational costs of the new staff were not included in the ministry's indicative budget allocation.
The proposal includes Rp224.9 billion for human rights promotion and enforcement programs and Rp267.9 billion for management support.
The DPR's Commission XIII approved the request related to human rights programs but declined to endorse the management-support component.
Education Ministry Proposes Rp40.75 Trillion Increase
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education requested an additional Rp40.75 trillion to finance programs not covered under its indicative 2027 allocation of Rp58.24 trillion.
Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said most of the existing allocation had already been earmarked for national priority programs, including school revitalization, the Integrated National School initiative, digital learning, teacher allowances, and the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP).
The ministry said the additional funding would support the government's 13-year compulsory education target, efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, teacher welfare and competency development, artificial intelligence-based learning initiatives, and language and literature programs.
Defense Ministry Pushes for Major Budget Increase
The Ministry of Defense presented one of the largest funding requests, arguing that its projected defense needs for 2027 total Rp667 trillion.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the ministry's indicative allocation from the Finance Ministry and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) was only Rp139 trillion.
To narrow the gap, the ministry has proposed an additional Rp195 trillion through the DPR's Commission I.
Sjafrie said the funding increase is needed to strengthen Indonesia's defense capabilities, maintain national sovereignty, and support the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in carrying out expanded responsibilities under the revised TNI Law.
Social Affairs Ministry Requests Rp22.49 Trillion More
The Ministry of Social Affairs also sought a budget increase, proposing an additional Rp22.49 trillion for 2027.
The ministry's indicative allocation currently stands at Rp84.71 trillion, while total funding needs are estimated at Rp107.2 trillion.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the ministry's budget has declined in recent years despite an expanding mandate that now includes programs such as Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools), social assistance digitalization, and affirmative economic empowerment initiatives.
He warned that funding constraints could affect the implementation of priority social welfare programs and reduce the ministry's ability to meet growing public demands.
Andi Adam and Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to this article.
Read: Indonesian Police Seek Rp66.1 Trillion in Additional Funding for 2027
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