DPRD Members Criticize Makassar City Government About Tourism Grants Not Yet Disbursed

ILLUSTRATION / Losari Beach Makassar (ANTARA)

MAKASSAR - Member of Commission B of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of Makassar City, Mario David, is disappointed with the performance of the Makassar City government regarding the slow realization of tourism grant funds.

Mario David explained that there was a budget assistance budget of Rp. 48.8 billion disbursed by the central government. Half of it, or around Rp. 22 billion has gone into the regional treasury. However, the Makassar City Government has not yet distributed the funds to industry players and has only been deposited in the regional treasury.

"Yesterday we had a hearing with all elements in the Makassar City government. During the meeting, we were very disappointed, with the city government, why are they disappointed, there is a budget for central government assistance too, totaling 48.2 billion," said Commission B member Mario David, contacted by reporters, Friday, December 8.

The Ministry of Tourism previously spent a budget for hotel and restaurant businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Makassar City, as many as 1,283 restaurants and 440 hotels that are currently collapsing and some of their employees are being sent home due to the COVID-19 pandemic must be given assistance. And it turns out that after being verified, unfortunately many businessmen do not have TDUP. Of the 480 hotels and 1,283 restaurants, only 25 hotels and 19 restaurants are verified.

Tourism grants worth IDR 48.8 billion cannot be disbursed. The Makassar City Government (Pemkot) has not completed the administration required by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

He hopes that in the near future the Makassar City Government will help all administrations of business actors.

"It has been transferred to cash but to issue it, to be distributed to hotels and restaurants, there are several techniques that must be prepared by each hotel and restaurant. Starting from administrative requirements, proof of tax payment, 2019-2020. Indeed, many hotels have not fulfilled the requirements. administration, because we will also lobby the central government to be able to provide leeway, "continued Mario David.