US$808,000 glamping retreat for Indonesia leaders sparks criticism as budget cuts bite

The Central Java camping trip for 503 politicians will take place between Feb 21 and Feb 28, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attending in some capacity. - Photo: AFP

JAKARTA: The Indonesian government will host a week-long mountain glamping retreat for hundreds of regional leaders this week, a presidential official said on Wednesday (Feb 19), sparking criticism as President Prabowo Subianto imposes widespread budget cuts.

More than 500 mayors, governors and regents will be taken to a military-style academy in the Central Java city of Magelang, where the recently inaugurated Indonesian President’s Cabinet stayed in luxury tents in October.