Rebuked By DPRD, Anies' Subordinates Promise To Absorb Flood Management Budget Until June

JAKARTA - Commission D for the Development of the DKI Jakarta DPRD has reprimanded the DKI Water Resources Department for not fully absorbing the use of the budget from the national economic recovery fund (PEN) for flood prevention.

In fact, the central government has reminded and granted the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government an extension of time to complete the program until the end of March 2022.

Responding to this, the Head of the DKI Water Resources (SDA) Department, Yusmada Faizal, explained that the remaining PEN funds last month were still Rp. 371 billion.

This subordinate of the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, said that his party recently budgeted Rp. 105 billion for land acquisition in Cawang and Rawajati. Yusmada also promised to accelerate the absorption of the remaining PEN funds until June 2022.

"As of now, until April, it is only Rp. 105 billion. So there is still around Rp270 billion left. We are still in the process, the funds can still be used. We will make a new timeline, hopefully we can use the funds optimally,” said Yusmada in his statement. Meanwhile, the Head of Commission D of the DKI DPRD Ida Mahcepat urged the DKI SDA Department to move quickly to absorb PEN funds for flood management. Given, the central government has given an extension of time until the middle of this year.

“Last month, there was still a budget of IDR 371 billion. Even though there has been tolerance from the center which was initially extended to March, now it has been extended to June. Hopefully it will be realized soon. Don't let it end again," Ida shouted.

Ida views that the problem with the absorption of PEN funds for the flood program is land acquisition. Therefore, Ida suggested that the Water Resources Office cooperate with a number of parties to assist in the process of land acquisition which will be used for the normalization of the river.

According to Ida, the parties that can be involved are the Housing Office and the DKI National Land Agency, up to the Prosecutor's Office so that there are no legal problems in the future.

"The problem is there is a price negotiation that has not been completed. We hope there is good communication. Or if the price is a problem, we can sit together. Or there is compensation they are placed in the Flats. If there is a problem with a letter, the consignment will be deposited in court," he added.