President Jokowi Pushes for Simplification of Bureaucracy

President Jokowi delivers remarks at National Action on Corruption Prevention virtual conference, Wednesday (26/8), at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province. (Photo by: PR/ Teguh)

The Government must continue its bureaucratic reform agenda and must simplify the bureaucracy, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Echelon system must be simplified without reducing income of the officials since echelon structure will prolong the bureaucracy, budget for smaller units would be difficult to monitor, and the budget will be used only for routine activities,” the President said in his remarks during National Action on Corruption Prevention virtual conference, Wednesday (26/8), at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province.

According to the President, he had instructed all to use the budget for strategic programs that are relevant with national needs, can meet the public’s  needs, and can encourage us to make a great leap.

He went on to say that the Government must pay special attention to bureaucratic reform regarding business permits and commerce. Head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) affirmed that the issue has been included in the Commission’s programs.

“Those who deal with  business permits are not only big enterprises but also more than 60 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises which are the main foundation of our national economy,” he said adding that the public will become the victim of unhealthy commerce since they must spend more money on goods.

For that reason, the President ordered to change commerce system that facilitate rent-seeking practices particularly commerce system in the sectors that largely related to the foundation of the society such as food, medicine, and energy sectors.

On that occasion, he also called on the participants to join hands to improve the quality of regulations, to simplify the bureaucratic system and make it transparent, to make full use of information technology, as well as to provide easy access to digitalization for the public.

Accompanying President Jokowi in that event were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. (TGH/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by:  Mia Medyana