3 Offices Named As Likely to be Axed in Jokowi's Anticipated Move to Cut Costs

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Three government agencies have been named as likely to be axed in the anticipated move by Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo to disband some government institutions in a bid to cut unnecessary spending.

“The agencies include the rather obscure National Commission for the Elderly (Komnas Lansia) and the equally unknown National Sports Standardization and Accreditation Agency,” Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko said on Tuesday, July 14.

The Peatland Restoration Agency (Badan Restorasi Gambut or BRG) is another institution being considered for disbandment, said the former four-star general.

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“BRG is on the list despite its good record in restoring peatland because their functions often overlap with other agencies,” Moeldoko said of the agency, whose founding in 2016 was based on a presidential order by Jokowi’s predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“Can the Board for Disaster Management or BNPB handle fires from peatland without the BRG’s involvement? Why does BRG restore peatland when the agriculture ministry can do the job?” 

Aside from disbandment, the government is also considering integrating some agencies in other ministries.

Also read: Jokowi Displeasure at Non-Performing Ministers May Lead to Cabinet Reshuffle

The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform is currently reviewing the roles of these agencies, Moeldoko said.

“Many of the agencies we are considering disbanding or integrating with other government ministries were set up by Government Orders or Presidential Orders. Disbanding institutions set up by law will be lengthier as it will require Parliament’s approval.”