Puan Promises DPR Will Continue To Strengthen The Function Of State Budget Supervision

Puan Maharani (Photo via Dok DPR)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, attended the submission of the Examination Result Report (LHP) on the 2023 Central Government Financial Report (LKPP) of the Indonesian Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). He also appreciated LHP LKPP where for the 2023 State Budget, the Government received an unqualified opinion (WTP).

The BPK report was submitted by the BPK RI at an event held at the Jakarta Convention Center, Central Jakarta, Monday 8 July. This event was attended by President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin. The LHP and LKPP for 2023 were delivered directly by the Chairman of the BPK RI Isma Yatun.

In line with a message from President Jokowi, Puan assessed that the WTP title is an obligation for all institutions.

"The WTP predicate must bring ministries/agencies to be able to improve performance even better in providing services to the people," said Puan.

In accordance with Law Number 17 of 2014 concerning the MPR, DPR, DPD and DPRD (MD3), the functions and obligations of the DPR are the preparation of legislation, budget and supervision of the Government. One of them is to follow up on the results of the examination of the management and state financial responsibility submitted by the BPK.

The DPR is also obliged to supervise the implementation of the Law, State Budget and government policies. Puan also asked the House of Representatives' commissions and board equipment (AKD) to make this BPK report a reference in preparing a joint working program with the Government.

"The results of this BPK examination can be input for the council, especially other commissions and AKDs in the DPR RI to discuss and follow up on them in the context of supervisory and budget duties through work meetings and hearings with their respective partners," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

LKPP itself is the responsibility of the 2023 State Budget which is composed of one State General Treasurer Financial Report (LKBUN) and 84 Ministry/Institutional Financial Reports (LKKL). The results of the 2023 LKPP are the 8th WTP opinion achieved by the Government since 2016.

Puan hopes that the WTP acquisition of the Government budget audit carried out by the BPK does not make ministries/institutions happy. He asked the Government to continue to provide the best for the community.

"Make sure the state budget is used in an accountable and responsible manner. Every cent of state money, which is people's money, must be distributed as well as possible for the welfare and interests of the people," said Puan.

Bung Karno's grandson added that in the future the Government must be able to continue the current achievements of the Government which has won the WTP title again. Puan also encouraged every ministry/institution and local government to follow BPK's recommendations.

"And of course the DPR will continue to strengthen supervision of the Government, in this case, especially in the supervisory function of the use of the state budget so that it is truly distributed to the people," he said.

"Of course, the supervision carried out by the DPR is also included in absorbing the aspirations of the community, so that all state budgets are appropriate," continued Puan.

On the other hand, Puan appreciated the BPK RI for carrying out the task of conducting examinations with high professionalism.

"Giving Unqualified Opinions (WTP) to LHP LKPP for Fiscal Year 2023 is clear evidence that efforts to be transparent and accountable in managing state finances are getting better," he said.

"Hopefully with this WTP opinion, public trust in the management of state finances will increase. We hope that all parties will continue to be committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in order to create a more prosperous Indonesia," continued Puan.