JAKARTA - The position of the DPRD is considered to need to strengthen its role to maximize the function of the institution in managing Natural Resources (SDA) in the region. Currently, the limitation of authority is considered to be an obstacle for the region to optimize its own natural wealth potential.
The General Chair of the Association of Regional DPRD of All Indonesia (Adkasi) Siswanto emphasized that the DPRD is an element of local government organizers together with regional heads. However, the current regulations are considered to make the position of the region not strong enough.
"We are not in the legislative field, we are in the executive field which has attributes, has oversight functions, then the formation of regulations and also the budget function. In my opinion, it is necessary to strengthen the position of the DPRD itself," said Siswanto in a discussion in Jakarta, Monday, March 9.
Stuck in Central Regulation
Siswanto highlighted the impact of the enactment of Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Governments and Law Number 1 of 2022 concerning the Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments. This rule is considered to significantly reduce regional authority compared to the early era of reform.
According to him, currently the region is facing a long bureaucracy even for the management of small-scale natural resources. This is in contrast to the period 1999-2004 where the region had very broad authority.
"Now the authority is very little, including wanting to dig sand, dig stones, one stone, one sand must go to the province, must go to the center. Moreover, talking about the sea, about nickel, about oil," he said.
Impact on PAD and People's Taxes
This reduction in authority has a direct impact on the Regional Original Income (PAD). Limited access to strategic natural resources management forces local governments to seek other income alternatives that often burden the community.
Some steps that the region was forced to take to boost PAD include increasing parking fees, hospital services, to increasing the Land and Building Tax (PBB).
"The area is now usually digging PAD by raising parking fees for markets, hospitals, to the United Nations which was viral yesterday in Pati Regency and hundreds of other regencies," explained Siswanto.
He hopes that the central government can adjust this division of authority so that the DPRD at the district and city levels has a greater role in managing regional wealth independently.
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