Cabinet Secretary Teddy Slammed over Monas Market Budget

3 hours ago 7

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has criticized Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya regarding the budget for a government-sponsored market held at the National Monument (Monas) last weekend. When asked for details on the event’s funding, Teddy only replied: "It’s there."

Media Askar Wahyudi, Director of Fiscal Justice at Celios, argued that as a government official, Teddy should not dismiss questions about the budget lightly. "It means that it's unclear how much the budget is, where the funds are from, who the executors are, and what the coverage is," Media stated when contacted on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Media emphasized that the budget for such a "pasar rakyat" must be accountable. He noted that the public has a right to know how the government manages these funds, whether they are sourced from the state budget (APBN), regional budgets (APBD), or corporate sponsorships from state-owned or private enterprises.

According to Media, a lack of transparency leaves government spending vulnerable to exploitation. "The public cannot check for any price mark-ups, fictitious logistics costs, or unjustified procurements," he warned.

Media also criticized Teddy for commenting on matters he deemed outside the Secretary’s official purview. He suggested that Teddy might lack the technical competence to address the budgetary aspects of the discount market, which falls outside his duties. "It is very likely that Teddy simply does not understand the details at all," he added.

The central government hosted the discount market at Monas from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya previously stated that the Presidential Palace had prepared 100,000 vouchers for free basic goods, each valued at Rp500,000. Furthermore, the event provided 300,000 portions of free food, supplied by 800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) street vendors.

Teddy noted that this community-focused event involved vendors from Tanah Abang Market, Senen Market, and various other Jakarta hubs. The festivities also featured door prizes, including 1,000 bicycles and 100 electric motorcycles.

In addition to the retail aspect, Teddy mentioned the inclusion of an entertainment stage featuring performances by the bands Wali and Bagindas, alongside various games for children.

Despite these grand details, neither Teddy nor the Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Maman Abdurrahman, offered a clear explanation regarding the event's financing.

During a press conference at Monas on Saturday night, March 28, 2026, Maman was asked if the funding came from his ministry's budget. "No, no. The budget is from..." Maman began, gesturing toward Teddy.

However, before Maman could conclude his statement, Teddy interjected. "It’s there, okay," Teddy said.