Jakarta, Oct. 11 -- State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that regional leaders have been briefed on the reduction in budget transfers to regions (TKD), which has caused concern in recent weeks.

Hadi said in a recorded statement received here on Saturday that the recent meeting between governors and the Finance Ministry was not a form of protest, but rather an opportunity for regional leaders to convey suggestions and input regarding the transfer mechanism.

He explained that there are two transfer schemes in use: direct and indirect. The indirect transfer scheme covers several national programs implemented by the central government that benefit people at the regional level, such as the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, which...