Sri Mulyani Asks APIP To Continue To Monitor The State Budget: This Is Financed By Taxes And Loans, Everything Must Be Protected

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani continues to encourage the active role of the Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus (APIP) in maintaining the use of the State Budget, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic situation in order to accelerate economic recovery.

“Of course the use of state finances must be accountable, those who manage it must be trusted, and credible. All of this can only happen if the institution has a competent, professional, integrity, and credible APIP, so that we can use resources that are public resources responsibly," he said while speaking at the Indonesian Government Internal Auditor Association (AAIPI) Congress which broadcast via virtual channel, Tuesday, November 23

According to the Minister of Finance, during the last two years the pandemic hit the state revenue side while state spending increased which resulted in an increasing deficit.

"In this situation, the state budget must really be right on target to achieve the goal, which is to provide protection to the community and the economy," he said.

The Minister of Finance added that APIP must be able to become a trusted partner, not co-opt, have independence, but still synergize in achieving these goals.

"This is a mission that must be guarded, especially when I speak to all APIPs, because the State Budget instruments are financed through taxes, state revenues, and through loans, all of which must be carefully and carefully maintained," he said.

For information, in the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program, the government has budgeted a ceiling of Rp.744.77 trillion. Meanwhile, as of November 19, 2021, the realization has reached Rp495.77 trillion for health, social protection, priority programs, MSME and corporate support, and business incentives.

Furthermore, the state treasurer considers the role of APIP to be relied on to audit and maintain accountability for targeted government spending such as payment of claims for COVID-19 treatment patients, vaccines and vaccinations, improvement of health facilities, and distribution of social assistance funds.

“So good intentions alone are not enough. Good intentions must be accompanied by the right instruments, efficient, accountable business processes, and good governance. In the end, we can be held accountable for effectively achieving our goals using resources that are state resources, namely state finances," closed the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani.