PKB Highlights National Budget Debt and Educational Disparities in Prabowo-Gibran's Two Years

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The faction of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in the Indonesian House of Representatives has raised concerns about the dependency of the National Budget (APBN) on loans as well as the disparity in formal and non-formal education in its evaluation of the two-year tenure of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

PKB member Oleh Soleh stated that the government needs to reduce reliance on loans moving forward, suggesting a shift towards servicing debts by optimizing Indonesia's natural resources.

“I hope by 2027 we will no longer need to borrow, but instead, we will be paying off our debts,” said Oleh during a discussion regarding Prabowo-Gibran's two years in office at the House of Representatives Building attended by various factions on Thursday (22/10/2026).

According to Oleh, debt can disrupt the cash flow of the APBN balance.

Therefore, the government must maximize the management of natural resources so that the proceeds can be used to fund the nation’s needs.

“Why? Because we believe that debt significantly disrupts our APBN cash flow,” said Oleh.

In addition to the debt issue, Oleh called for the government to eliminate the gap between formal and non-formal education, particularly regarding attention to Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and early childhood education (PAUD).

He noted that pesantren play a vital role in the history and culture of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, PAUD should receive budgetary attention as it is the foundation for character development in children.

“There should be no more disparity between formal and non-formal education,” Oleh emphasized.

He also urged that education budget policies should not only focus on basic education but should also consider early childhood education.

“Because character and ideology are formed from an early age,” emphasized Oleh.

“On the track” according to the constitution

Despite raising several concerns, Oleh believes that the Prabowo-Gibran administration has been functioning in alignment with the direction of the constitution over the past two years.

He cited the People's School program as an effort by the government to fulfill the educational rights of the populace, including those from underprivileged groups.

Oleh also referred to the continuation of social protection programs established by prior administrations, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), rice assistance, the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), and direct cash assistance (BLT).