Bali DPRD Cuts 10 Percent of Travel Funds to Save Energy

Chairman of the Bali DPRD Dewa Made Mahayadnya (ANTARA/Ni Putu Putri Muliantari)

DENPASAR - The Bali DPRD has cut the travel budget for state agencies by 10 percent this year as part of energy saving efforts.

"Yes, there is savings. In the Bali DPRD itself, there is a 10 percent savings, the budget for official travel," said the Chairman of the Bali DPRD, Dewa Made Mahayadnya, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, April 6.

He said the cuts were made in the allocation of official travel because the sector most needed energy use, especially fuel oil.

To make the remaining budget effective, Mahayadnya directed council members and the secretariat to limit official travel only for the discussion of draft regional regulations (raperda).

"We only leave when there is a regional regulation, there is no departure other than that. Then sidak in the area that we are more active," he said.

Bali DPRD Secretary I Ketut Nayaka added that the value of the 10 percent reduction amounted to around Rp. 21 billion. In addition to saving the use of fuel oil, the efficiency of official travel also reduces expenses for activity consumption.

He said that until now there had been no cancellation of schedules affected by the policy. Certain allocations such as special committees (pansus) have not been cut to ensure optimal performance.

"I think it won't affect performance. For example, if fuel is reduced, we also have WFH, especially now that we can use Zoom meetings like during COVID-19. That helps to efficiently use the budget," he said.

In addition to cutting official travel, the Bali DPRD has also started to implement a work from home (WFH) policy every Friday.

Nayaka said that officials at the second echelon along with the secretary, or the third echelon if necessary, would continue to work in the office, while other employees would work from home with virtual attendance. The schedule of the board members' activities will also be adjusted.

Savings are also made on the use of office equipment that requires large energy, such as air conditioners and lights.

Through this policy, the Bali DPRD hopes that energy savings can run optimally, as well as allow the reallocation of funds for regional development, such as the restoration of mangrove areas, handling river sedimentation, and road repairs.