President Jokowi Orders Public Works Ministry to Work Faster by Adhering to Good Governance

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) to work faster, especially in the throes of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must realize that we are still in a crisis; thus, the spirit must be different, the aura must be different. We must switch to an extraordinary channel. By working faster, we can leverage economic growth,” said the President during the signing of Tender Package Contract / Early Selection of Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing for the 2021 Fiscal Year, virtually from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday (15/01).

The President also unveiled that Indonesia’s economic growth saw a deep contraction at minus 5.32 percent in the second quarter of last year and at minus 3.49 percent in the third quarter of last year.

Nevertheless, the Head of State expressed hope that the country’s economic growth can rebound in the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year.

The key, according to him, is speed at work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people have lost their jobs.

“Our speed in executing work, especially labor-intensive projects, is highly anticipated and will greatly help alleviate the burden on the communities, especially in providing many jobs,” he added.

However, the President reminded that working faster with smart shortcuts does not mean neglecting good governance.

“This (ignoring governance) is not allowed! The process must be correct and transparent in accordance with the rules. And most importantly, the outcome must also be properly maintained so that it brings a significant impact on the country’s economic recovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono reported that since October last year, the Ministry has carried out early selection tenders for 3,175 packages with a total value of Rp38.6 trillion. This is a follow-up to the President’s order to expedite the execution of the 2021 budget in a bid to strengthen and speed up national economic recovery, he added.

“As of 15 January 2021, the tender process for 1,191 packages worth Rp14.6 trillion has been completed, as follows: 209 packages worth Rp2.1 trillion have been tendered and contracted in December 2020; 982 packages worth Rp12.5 trillion will be signed simultaneously this morning which will be directly witnessed by the President,” the Minister said.

The contract signing ceremony, the Minister continued, was held simultaneously by Commitment-Making Officials (PPK) and service operators at the Ministry’s Balai offices in 34 provinces.

As for the next stage, until the end of February 2021, as many as 1,984 packages worth Rp24 trillion will have their contracts signed. Then in March 2021, it will also be adjusted for 1,553 packages worth Rp40 trillion. Efforts will be made for the remaining packages to be completed by March this year, he added.

“With the advance payment for the package contracts signed this morning and the payment of the multiyear term continued contract from 2021, we estimate that by the end of January, the Ministry’s budget absorption will reach Rp14.8 trillion or accounting for 9.9 percent from the Ministry’s total ceiling of budget execution documents (DIPA) amounting to Rp159.7 trillion,” the Minister said. (DND/UN) (MUR/EP)