Renowned MUI Deputy Chairman Stresses Unity Amid Budget Cuts
In a recent dialogue organized by the Commission for Interreligious Harmony (KAUB) of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Kiai Marsudi Syuhud, a prominent figure within the MUI, shed light on the current state of Indonesia. The country finds itself in a heated debate between proponents and opponents due to budget cuts in various ministries. Amid this contentious issue, Kiai Marsudi emphasized the importance of religious leaders maintaining unity.
“Every policy has consequences, with some accepting and others rejecting it. As religious figures with our respective followers, we must uphold harmony,” remarked Kiai Marsudi during the dialogue at Pesantren Darul Uchwah Sawangan in Depok on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Further elaborating on the matter in a statement to Republika.co.id on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Kiai Marsudi highlighted several ministries facing budget reductions. Among them, the Ministry of Public Works saw its budget decrease from Rp 110.95 trillion to Rp 81.38 trillion, leaving a remaining budget of Rp 29.57 trillion. Similarly, the Ministry of Research and Technology Higher Education witnessed a reduction from Rp 57.68 trillion to Rp 22.54 trillion, resulting in a budget of Rp 35.14 trillion. The Ministry of Health’s budget decreased from Rp 105.65 trillion to Rp 86.02 trillion. The Ministry of Finance’s budget was cut from Rp 53.20 trillion to Rp 40.84 trillion. The Ministry of Agriculture went from Rp 29 trillion to Rp 19.14 trillion. The Ministry of Education and Culture saw a decrease from Rp 33.55 trillion to 25.54 trillion. The Ministry of Industry’s budget was slashed from Rp 2.51 trillion to Rp 1.40 trillion. Lastly, the Ministry of Trade saw its budget decrease from Rp 1.85 trillion to Rp 1.4 trillion.
In line with these adjustments, Kiai Marsudi emphasized that the State Budget (APBN) is an approved statement containing estimates of the state’s revenue and expenses for a specific period in the future. He called on all present leaders to collectively oversee the government’s operations.
“The policies currently sparking both support and opposition must be monitored to ensure our nation remains calm and comfortable. I believe the government will find the best solution for its people,” he affirmed.
During the meeting, Kiai Marsudi also referenced President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the NU Muslimat Congress. Highlighting the President’s remarks, Kiai Marsudi conveyed that the decrease in the National Expenditure Budget is a response to the current situation. President Prabowo articulated the importance of providing adequate nutrition to children for their overall well-being, emphasizing the significance of strong, healthy future generations.
“Uniting all components of our nation within the context of religion is crucial. We must follow the government’s current policies, with hopes for continuous improvement in the future,” he concluded, stressing the importance of collective effort and positivity moving forward.
