Minister Of Home Affairs Tito Encourages Areas To Cut Ceremonial Budget For The Sake Of The People

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian emphasized that the policy of transferring the Transfer to Regions (TKD) budget is an effort to realize the realization of an efficient program.

Tito revealed that the results of monitoring and evaluation of the Ministry of Home Affairs showed that there were still a number of areas that were less than optimal in managing programs and budgets.

"Well (inefficient budget realization) is reduced. We take a good example, a lot of good areas," said the Minister of Home Affairs, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 16.

He gave an example of Lahat Regent Bursah Zarnubi, as a regional head figure who has succeeded in implementing efficiency. Bursah is known to have cut a number of budget posts, such as official travel, meeting activities, high maintenance costs, and consumption of eating and drinking.

The savings proceeds were then diverted to build an irrigation dam capable of irrigating about eight thousand hectares of farmers' rice fields.

The Minister of Home Affairs further explained that the principle of efficiency was proven to be applicable by the local government (Pemda). Therefore, the government has shifted the TKD budget for priority programs that have a direct impact on the community.

These programs include social safety nets, education, Free Nutrition Food (MBG), schools, health, and other programs that accommodate the interests of the people.

"Well, but we also do exercise. We know that these areas vary. There are areas where the PAD is strong like Jakarta, Bandung. But there are also areas where the PAD is only 5 percent (compared by central transfer funds)," he said.

Tito explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) had conducted studies and evaluations related to regional fiscal capacity. For regions with weak fiscal capacity, the Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) so that budget diversion is not carried out in large portions.

On the other hand, areas with strong fiscal capacities are considered more prepared so that adjustments can be made.

"Well, we have exercise from all regencies/cities, I made a team led by the Secretary General, mapping out the minimum amount of personnel spending, operational spending, maintenance at least, plus minimum service standards for infrastructure, health," he added.

In addition, the Minister of Home Affairs specifically advised the local government to consider the socio-economic conditions of the community when formulating programs, including efforts to increase local revenue (PAD). Regions are asked to carry out comprehensive socialization and involve the active role of the community.

If the policies prepared tend to be rejected, the Minister of Home Affairs asks the local government to cancel them. On the other hand, if the policy gets a positive response from the public, the local government is asked to implement it optimally.

"Well, in the future I ask my regional head friends, I have zoomed in directly, consider two things. Socialization with elements of society. If people agree, the majority, apply it. If the majority disagree, don't force them. While also looking at the socio-economic conditions of the community," he said.