Indonesian Ministers Defend Government Aid Distribution Amid Election Dispute

In response to claims by losing Presidential candidates of government aid misuse during the recent election campaign, four Indonesian Cabinet members testified that no rules were violated in aid distribution. Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, the election winner, received 58.6% of votes, triggering allegations of fraud from his opponents.

They argue that outgoing President Joko Widodo’s administration supported Subianto, using social aid to sway votes. The dispute revolves around Subianto’s candidacy, including his Vice-Presidential pick, who allegedly didn’t meet age requirements. Despite controversy, ministers maintained that aid disbursal aimed to alleviate poverty amid economic challenges. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati emphasized the budgetary approval and transparency of aid distribution. The Constitutional Court, summoned ministers for testimonies, is set to deliver its verdict on April 22, ending a contentious electoral chapter in Indonesia’s political landscape.