Unmasking Budget Cuts: How Anti-Environmental Politics Hide Behind Claims of Efficiency

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Budget cuts are putting the environment at risk. Prabowo’s policies seem to overlook the pressing issues of conservation and climate change.

When looking at President Prabowo Subianto’s approach to environmental policy, the latest budget cuts tell a clear story. Funding for several ministries tied to natural resources has been slashed, signaling a retreat from serious climate action and conservation efforts.

On February 12, the House of Representatives finalized budget cuts that affected all ministries. The government’s target for state spending reductions remained unchanged at Rp306.7 trillion.

These cuts, described as efficiency measures, only slightly softened the impact on certain ministries. For instance, the Forestry Ministry faced a budget cut of Rp1.22 trillion instead of the proposed Rp1.5 trillion. However, even ministries that were previously exempt, such as Defense and the National Nutrition Agency, now also saw reductions.

These budget adjustments lack transparency and accountability, making it hard for the public to understand the reasoning behind the cuts. When financial decisions don’t disclose why some units suffer more than others, it opens the door to mismanagement and undermines the public good.

For example, the budget cuts at the Forestry Ministry primarily target the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE) Directorate-General. This unit is responsible for the management and protection of over 564 conservation areas. Due to funding cuts, they may have to halt patrols, wildlife monitoring, and ecosystem restoration efforts, which could lead to further environmental degradation.

Data shows that deforestation in conservation areas surged by 29 percent during the Jokowi administration. If budget cuts continue, the situation could worsen.

Additionally, the cuts at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry raise questions. The budget for the New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) Directorate-General, critical for transitioning away from fossil fuels, was cut by more than half. Now, the focus seems to shift to the Oil and Natural Gas and Mineral and Coal directorates, sidelining renewable energy efforts.

The approach taken by the Prabowo administration suggests that nature is viewed merely as an economic resource. This mindset can lead to profound consequences for people’s lives, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.

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