The DPRD Reminds The Governor Of NTB Not To Exceed The Authority To Avoid The Accumulation Of Unpaid Project Debts

The chairman of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) DPRD Baiq Isvie Rupaeda reminded the governor and deputy governor of NTB not to exceed the limits of authority in taking program policies to avoid the unpaid accumulation of project debts.

"I think we can talk about it as carefully as possible first so that cases like this don't happen again. If there are things that must be reduced, it will be reduced. Don't exceed the limits of authority," said Isvie Rupaeda, in Mataram as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, May 4.

The statement by the Chairman of the NTB Regional House of Representatives, Bai Isvie Rupaeda, was in response to the aftermath of the actions of a number of contractors who threatened to lock up official cars and the gates of the NTB Governor's Hall if the provincial government's debts to a number of projects had not been paid, Wednesday (3/5).

According to him, there needs to be careful talks in regional budget management, especially in order to prevent the debt burden from being passed on to the government for the next period.

"I think this should pay close attention to the dynamics and situation. We all understand the financial condition, let's find the best way. It is impossible for us to leave the burden for the next period," he said.

Therefore, if there is a contractor who collects from the governor's pavilion? Isvie said it was indeed the responsibility of a governor.

"Just accept it as part of the dynamics in a government system," said Isvie.

However, Isvie confirmed that after receiving an explanation the provincial government would pay off these debts no later than the first week of early June 2023.

"In June the first week (must be finished). Because we discussed the 2023 program in June the second week," said the politician from the Electoral Region (Dapil) of East Lombok Regency.

Isvie said the mechanism for completing the provincial government's debt would be processed. Isvie admits that the settlement cannot be done at once, but must be gradual. He also ensured that there were no priorities, so that in this case all positions were the same.

"Proportionally, nothing special," said Isvie emphasized.

Reports received from the regional government budget team (TAPD) remaining debts amounted to Rp75 billion from Rp300 billion. There is also a debt in the 2022 Revised APBP of around Rp140 billion. However, changes require regional head regulations (perkada). There must be a mechanism for payment.

He mentioned that the majority of projects that the NTB Provincial Government still owes start from regular programs, the Principles of Mind (Pokir) of the NTB DPRD and also projects related to social assistance.

"So it's not just the DPRD. But the debt is from the government's regular program as well," he said.

Another debt as much as Rp50 billion for the multi-year road acceleration program. "But there is already a budget for that. There is no problem," he said.

Based on the information he received, it is only available per day (Wednesday 3/5 yesterday) of around Rp. 15 billion, so the NTB Provincial Government will find other solutions.

Isvie emphasized that there is no option for selling assets to settle debts. Likewise looking for other loans, for example.

"There is no such option. God willing, there will be the best solution," he said.

According to him, PAD's current condition is quite good. Income PAD one month ranges from Rp250 billion to Rp260 billion. This means that there is Rp200 billion in PAD potential.

In fact, PAD income per month is IDR 187 billion. Four months until the end of last April it was IDR 751 billion.

"It's quite good, so this is optimistic for all of us that the debt is paid off quickly," he said.

As Chairman of the NTB DPRD Banggar, Isvie does not see the condition of today's debt will affect the upcoming 2024 APBD.

"God willing, it will not (influent), the source is clear. It has been included in the 2023 APBD. There are already figures. I don't think there will be any influence," said Isvie.

Isvie did not deny what was conveyed by the Governor that the debt was caused by COVID-19, then the disaster that hit NTB such as the earthquake was quite draining regional money. Moreover, there are many programs where funding sources are not achieved.

"For example, PAD is from Gili. Then another source. Yesterday the target was only 90 percent, while the program was full of 100 percent. That means minus, deficit," he also said.