Indonesia cuts rescue agency budget despite disaster surge

Indonesia's rescue agency, Basarnas, had its budget cut by a parliamentary panel.

The cut is 69.38 billion rupiah, which is about 4.5% of its initial budget.

This happened even though Indonesia has been experiencing many natural disasters like floods and landslides.

The government wants to use the saved money for other important programs.

The head of Basarnas accepted the decision but said the agency needs more funds to improve its work.

There are currently 38 Basarnas offices, but the head suggested having more to handle disasters better.

The committee acknowledged the need for more funds but still approved the cut.