JAKARTA - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called for a 50-percent reduction in the overseas travel budget to improve government efficiency and redirect funds toward public benefit.

"If we are frugal, and the government is firm, clean, and efficient, I believe we can do it. Just reduce unnecessary events," Prabowo said on Wednesday during a visit to Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara province.

He noted that reducing overseas travel expenses, which currently amount to $3 billion annually, could save approximately 15 trillion rupiahs (about 1 billion dollars).

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These savings, he suggested, should be reallocated to essential programs such as building public infrastructure and expanding the free meals initiative.

Prabowo also emphasized the importance of ensuring better allocation of resources to projects that directly benefit the public.

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Achieving these goals requires strong commitment and a spirit of cooperation among officials, he said.