Budget Allocation Must be Well-Targeted, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi accompanied by Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Finance hands over the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and Transfer to Regions Allocation List for 2024 Fiscal Year, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/29). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed over the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and Transfer to Regions Allocation List for 2024 Fiscal Year, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/29).

The President emphasized that ministries, state institutions, and regional governments must use budget allocated for them and in a disciplined and targeted manner, particularly during rising geopolitical tension and climate change, as well as apparent potential for crisis and recession.

“I’d like to remind all to first, use the allocated budget in a disciplined, thorough, and targeted manner,” he said.

He also called for transparent and accountable financial and budget management that prevents any forms of budget misuse and corruption.

Furthermore, the President ordered the Government to complete budget realization immediately. According to him, budget realization in the Central Government and regional governments has reached 74 percent and 64 percent, respectively.

“Since 9 years ago, I have stated that I want to change the ways of work and mindset but I realize it is not easy. Once again, spend the budget and execute the target immediately,” he said adding that uncertainties must be anticipated through automatic adjustment and budget realization must have result oriented since it is the people’s money.

He also emphasized the importance to strengthen synergy and harmony between regional governments and Central Government’s policies in a bid to create a harmonious development.

“After building toll roads, the regional governments at the provincial, regency, and city levels should connect the roads to industrial areas, tourism areas, agricultural areas, and plantation areas; but they did not do it. So I need to stress it once again that synergy and harmonization is important to make the development in line,” he firmly said.

On that occasion, the President also ordered the Government to use Transfer to Regions to improve public services, education, and health sectors. On the other hand, he pushed for other financial alternative funding options to thrive so it can maintain investment climate in the country.

“The year 2024 will be the last year of this governance. Thus, I want all budget to be optimized, all development agendas to be completed, including those which have been planned for but have yet to be completed, in order to strengthen foundation for the upcoming governance,” he said. (FID/UN) (RAS/MUR)