Cooperatives Ministry Rp103B Budget not Just for Podcasts

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives has clarified public misunderstanding regarding a proposed Rp103 billion or US$5.84 million budget mistakenly rumored to be strictly for podcast production. Speaking on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Ministry emphasized that the proposed funds cover broader public communications and infrastructure needs for 2027.

This clarification was delivered to address the widely circulated narrative that has caught public attention in recent days. The ministry stressed the importance of viewing public information transparently and comprehensively to avoid misinterpretations.

Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Ahmad Zabadi, stated that the government institution is open to public criticism and input. He explained that the entire budget allocation is planned to support much broader operational and public relations functions.

"We need to convey that this Rp103 billion is part of an additional budget proposal, not yet the budget ceiling, let alone the definitive budget ceiling for the Ministry of Cooperatives in 2027," Ahmad said in his statement in Jakarta, Thursday, September 3, 2026.

The proposed budget basically covers publication, documentation, information technology, and administrative management across the ministry. Therefore, the assumption that the budget of hundreds of billions of rupiah is strictly intended for podcasts is incorrect.

Ahmad reaffirmed that a public communication strategy is crucial for conveying various strategic government programs to the public transparently. He added that every rupiah of state budget expenditure will be accounted for in a measurable and accountable manner.

"We will also continue to ensure that every use of the budget is carried out effectively, efficiently, transparently, accountably, and above all, must have measurable results," he said.