Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has distributed 1,098 cattle for Eid al-Adha sacrifices this year, with the program funded through the state budget, officials said on Wednesday.

The sacrificial cattle, each weighing around one ton on average, were provided under the presidential assistance program for communities across Indonesia.

Deputy State Secretary Minister Juri Ardiantoro said the program was financed through a state budget allocation designated for presidential social assistance, with a total value estimated at around Rp 100 billion ($5.6 million).

Several lawmakers from Prabowo's Gerindra Party defended the use of state funds for the program, arguing that such social assistance initiatives are common practice for heads of state.

“This is a normal practice. The president, as head of state, indeed has a special budget to assist the public,” legislator Sugiat Santoso said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said the presidential qurban assistance program had existed under previous administrations and was not unique to Prabowo’s presidency.

Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong said the cattle donation program not only benefits recipient communities but also supports local livestock farmers and regional economic activity.

“In addition to helping communities receiving qurban assistance, this program stimulates the local livestock economy, strengthens the national livestock sector, and encourages regional economic circulation,” Bahtra said in a statement.

Bahtra argued that criticism of the program was politically motivated rather than focused on the tangible benefits received by the public.

According to him, similar presidential social assistance programs were also implemented during the administrations of former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo.

“This is a state-funded social assistance program that has been officially budgeted to support communities in various regions. No regulations have been violated,” he said.