Budget Must Be Managed in Transparent, Accountable Manners: President Jokowi
President Jokowi attends an event at Sukma Bangsa School, in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Saturday (22/2). (Photo by: Oji/PR).
Clean, transparent, and accountable budget management is a necessity to realize good governance, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
In his remarks at the National Meeting held in Aceh province, President Jokowi said that the province receives a substantial amount of Rp8 trillion in special autonomy funds for this fiscal year.
“I asked the Governor the amount of funds Aceh receives in special autonomy funds. It is Rp8 trillion for this year. Plus 9 trillion from regional budget, making it a total amount of Rp17 trillion. And of course regional budget in regencies and cities in Aceh Province,” the President said at the Sukma Bangsa School, in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Saturday (22/2).
Therefore, the President called for good management and allocation that is right on target and can bring benefits to the people.
The use of regional budget, the President continued, is entrusted to all regents, mayors and governors.
“Do focus on priority sectors,” the President said, adding that poverty rate in the province reached 14 percent and special programs are expected to cut poverty the rate.
On the occasion, President Jokowi also raised the issue of investment. According to the President, the more investment flow to a country, the country’s economic growth will be better and the same also applies to provinces, regencies and cities.
“So, the more capital inflow, the more prosperous the people will be,” the President said, adding that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is ranked 16th; yet, based on purchasing power parity, Indonesia is ranked 7th among major economies.
“What does it mean? We will have a bright future. But there still challenges ahead, both in the regions and in the central government that we need to solve together immediately,” the President added.
The President also encouraged investment to Aceh province.
“The Governor has said earlier that the United Arab Emirates has expressed interest to build property and tourism,” the President said.
Furthermore, the President said that he has ordered his cabinet ministers to prepare a team to depart to UAE in early March.
“Together with Governor and his team to meet directly with Sheikh Muhammad bin Zaid Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi,” the President said.
The President called on all elements of people in Aceh to stay united and urged the communities, regional governments, central government to work together to solve the problems and challenges in the province. (AIT/EN)
Translated by: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
