Task Force Unveils 102 Misappropriation Of Social Assistance Funds

JAKARTA - The Special Task Force for Supervision of COVID-19 Funds has uncovered 102 cases of alleged misuse of social assistance funds for handling COVID-19 throughout Indonesia.

"Data received shows that there are 102 cases of misappropriation of social assistance. These cases are handled by Satgassus at 20 Polda," said Police Head of Public Information Bureau Brigadier General Pol Awi Setiyono.

Of the 102 cases, the North Sumatra Regional Police handled 38 cases, the West Java Regional Police handled 18 cases, the Riau Police handled seven cases.

Then Polda Jatim and Polda Sulsel handled four cases each, Polda Central Sulawesi, Polda NTT and Polda Banten handled three cases each.

Polda Sumsel, Polda Malut handle two cases each, then Polda Kalteng, Polda Kepri, Polda Sulbar, Polda West Sumatra, Polda Kaltara, Polda Lampung, Polda Papua Barat, Polda Kalbar and Polda Papua each handle one case.

Based on the results of the investigation, it was found that a number of reasons for the misuse of social assistance were the cutting of funds and unequal distribution. The village officials deliberately cut funds with the aim of the principle of justice for those who did not receive it (this was already known and agreed by the beneficiaries).

Other motives are cutting funds for tired money, reducing the balance of food packages and finally there is no transparency to the public regarding the distribution system and the funds received.

Previously, there were 92 cases of misappropriation of social assistance funds handled by the National Police as of July 21, 2020.

President Joko Widodo has asked law enforcers not to allow officials who manage budgets to act incorrectly, especially in the budget for handling COVID-19.

Jokowi wants law enforcers to prioritize prevention rather than taking action.