Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Handover of the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and Transfer to Regions Allocation List for 2024 Fiscal Year, at the State Palace, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, November 29, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good morning,
May peace be upon us all,
Shallom,
Om swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greeting of virtue.

Why do you all look so tense? Please give applause. Why do you all look so tense and serious when you receive budget allocation?

Distinguished Heads of Government Institutions, Ministers of the Onward Indonesia Cabinet, Heads of Non-ministerial Government Institutions;
Distinguished Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, Chief of the National Police, Attorney General, Governors, Regents, and Mayors;
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests,

I have mentioned it in many occasions that the current global situation is full of uncertainties; geopolitical tension is escalating and impacts of climate change are more visible and can be felt by us all. Potential for crisis and recession shows no sign of abating; it’s getting more apparent instead. Thus, I would like to remind us to remain vigilant. Be careful and vigilant.

On this auspicious occasion, I want to deliver some points of note. First, there is no more physical handover like it used to be. Now, the process is digitalized. I will no longer give the list to all people in attendances. Usually it’s been like that for decades but starting today we’re no longer doing that.

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

Second, prioritize transparency and accountability. Don’t give any slightest opportunity that can be used for budget misuse, especially in relation to corruption, close that loophole.

Third, execute the program immediately, as soon as possible. I also have mentioned it over and over again that we must start working on budget realization in January and complete budget realization immediately. Earlier, I asked Ministry of Home Affairs about budget realization progress. Budget realization in the Central Government and regional governments has reached 74 [percent] and 64 [percent], respectively. We only have three weeks left but the realization has only reached 64 [percent] and 74 [percent]. It means we need to spend trillions of budgets in three weeks. Every year, we do the same thing. 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 at the beginning of the year.

Fourth, prepare for automatic adjustment to anticipate uncertainties. Adjustment must be made in an agile manner to anticipate changes. If there is a change, adjust to the change because uncertainties always follow us every day; changes happen every week, every month. We must always remember that every penny that is spent is the people’s money so that budget realization must have result oriented. Procedures are mandatory but the orientation must be the result not procedures. The most important thing is to bring the greatest benefits to the people.

For regional governments, strengthen synergy and harmony with the Central Government’s policies. In other words, the regional budget (APBD) must be synergized and harmonized with the Central Government’s policies in a bid to create a harmonious development. If the Central Government builds a dam, the regional governments must build irrigation. If big seaport is built, but it has not yet connected with roads in provincial, regency, and city levels, what is the use of it? 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.

Use Transfer to Regions to improve public services, education, and health sectors. Develop other financial alternative funding options so it can maintain investment climate. It is because the key to economic growth is one and only, investment. Thus, we must maintain investment throughout the country.

[The year] 2024 will be the last year of this governance. Thus, I want all budgets 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.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. Last but not least, I want the upcoming simultaneous elections next year can be held by upholding the spirit of peace. Strengthen our harmony and unity so that the fiesta of democracy can be held peacefully with high quality.

That concludes my remarks. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially hand over the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and Transfer to Regions Allocation List for 2024 Fiscal Year.

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RAS/MUR)