Jakarta, Oct. 29 -- Indonesia is shifting its social protection strategy from direct aid to empowerment programs, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar said on Wednesday.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the government to enhance budget efficiency and focus on programs that build long-term self-reliance instead of short-term aid.

To date, Rp508 trillion has been earmarked for social protection. Iskandar said the allocation could reach Rp1,000 trillion (US$60.2 billion) next year through efficiency measures and better-targeted empowerment programs.

The 2026 Draft State Budget proposes Rp508.2 trillion for social protection, an 8.6 percent increase from this year's Rp468.1 trillion allocation.

Th...