JAKARTA, DMTAX – Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, Mukhamad Misbakhun, asked Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to stop the habit of commenting on the policies of other ministries.

The House of Representatives (DPR) considers this step crucial to ensure better political communication and enable the government's economic team to work more solidly.

"Mr. Purbaya should stop commenting too often on other ministries' policies. Focus on the grand economic plan he wants to build to support the President's vision," Misbakhun said, as quoted on Saturday (October 18, 2025).

Misbakhun highlighted one of Purbaya's statements regarding budget cuts for free nutritious meals (MBG), which he deemed unutilized. He argued that the funds could not be diverted unilaterally without consultation with the House of Representatives (DPR).

"This actually requires consultation and a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR), but since the state budget (APBN) is still under discussion, they have been given some latitude. Matters like this need to be coordinated with the DPR to prevent economic policies from appearing unilateral," Misbakhun said.

Furthermore, Misbakhun emphasized the importance of strengthening the purchasing power of the general public and the middle class. He believes that reducing VAT rates could be one step in maintaining purchasing power.

"At that time, I reminded them to hold off on this VAT increase. If necessary, we could lower it back to 10%, and if necessary, to 8%. Why? To boost people's purchasing power. So, what's the purpose of this? As I've said, we're facing pressure on purchasing power," he explained.

Misbakhun also highlighted the need for reform of the social assistance system to prevent vulnerable middle-class groups from falling into poverty. He emphasized that fiscal policy design must be able to reach groups at risk of economic relegation.