West Java Governor's Operational Fund Of IDR 28 Billion Claimed To Return To The Community

BANDUNG - West Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Herman Suryatman said the West Java Governor's operational allowances and funds were in the public spotlight because the value was quite fantastic, according to the rules.

Herman said that his party appreciated the assessment, but he said the amount of the allocated figure was in order to maintain the honor of the regional head in carrying out his duties, and according to him the funds returned to the community.

The allowances that are of self-interest, especially on social media, include a salary of IDR 2.2 billion per year, up to an operational fund of IDR 28.8 billion. The total salary and income of the governor and his deputy are said to have reached IDR 33.2 billion.

"The Rp28 billion returned to the community, but the one who decided the Regional Head and Deputy. You can imagine, where is the dignity of the regional head? Go to the field but you can't do anything. For example, the governor and deputy went to the field, there was a house collapsing, it had to be given compensation, it was impossible for the Musrenbang first," Herman said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 10.

The regional head's operational funds could be that big, because they were influenced by the large amount of local revenue (PAD), which was IDR 19 trillion.

The figure of Rp28 billion, originating from the provision of operating funds of that size, came from 0.15 percent of the total PAD.

"It should also be noted that West Java's independence is one of the best in Indonesia. From our fiscal capacity, through the 2025 APBD, more than Rp. 31 trillion, and in it Rp. 19 trillion is local revenue," he said.

Regarding the budget, Herman hopes that the public can understand it. Moreover, this amount does not only cover the needs of regional head personnel and their representatives.

"Not only in personal capacity, but institutionally," he said.

The Regional Secretary said that the issue of allowances and other funds could not be separated from the existence of the 2021 Governor Ridwan Kamil's Pergub.

"So the stipulation is based on the Governor's Regulation in 2021. So today's leadership continues what has been determined previously," he said.

However, Herman stated that he was ready to evaluate the spotlight sent by the community. However, his party is also now waiting for instructions from Governor Dedi Mulyadi.

"We are waiting for directions from the Governor. Of course, our job is to conduct a review, evaluate and in this case it is the authority of the Governor," he said.