Deputy Minister Of Home Affairs Optimizes Scholarships To Quality Public Policy

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto encourages local government officials (Pemda) to take advantage of training programs from the Australian Government for Indonesia, especially in the field of governance and making public policies in the regions.

Although this program only lasted for two weeks, Bima hopes that the participants can study optimally and implement the knowledge gained in various sectors.

"The first expectation of this program, of course, you have a better experience to improve the ability for planning, budgeting, and others," Bima Arya said, quoting Antara.

This was conveyed at the event The Pre-Course of Australia Awards Indonesia's Governance and Public Policy Making for Subnational Governments which took place in Jakarta, which was also attended by Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier.

According to Bima, local governments need human resources (HR) that are able to prepare development planning and regional budgeting. If this is done well, regional fiscal capacity will be stronger. He emphasized that one of the goals of implementing regional autonomy is to strengthen regional fiscal capacity.

In addition, Bima emphasized the importance of the apparatus's ability to provide convenience in public services and provide a real government in the community. He considered this activity to be the right forum for deepening knowledge in this field.

"It is hoped that while in Australia we can see with our own eyes how [the state] of our extraordinary neighbor has excellent quality to improve services for its citizens," he said.

Bima also explained that while in Australia participants can learn development governance which involves community participation. He gave an example, people in Australia can easily access information about local government development plans, for example through public exposure in shopping centers.

"There (Australia) will see how to enjoy and admire how local leadership is so close to citizens, how every hierarchy from the government opens up room for participation for citizens," Bima said.

Furthermore, Bima mentioned many things that can be adopted from the Australian government, especially in carrying out its duties as a public servant. This includes the fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality, and inclusive development.

Finally, Bima hopes that visits to Australia will bring tangible benefits to districts, cities, and Indonesia as a whole. He also reminded participants to associate learning with concrete problems in their respective regions.