"Under the state budget 2017, the transfer funds to regional administration and village fund reach Rp764.9 trillion, higher than the budget for ministries and central governments institutions. Because we want to see regional economy to grow faster," the President said at the celebration of the Indonesian Justice and Unity Partys (PKPI) 18th anniversary here, Sunday.
Jokowi, as the President popularly known, said the government in the revised state budget 2016, for the first time, set a higher budget for transfers to regional administration and village fund, compared to the budget for ministries.
The state budget 2017 has set the state revenue target at Rp1,750 trillion and expenditures target at Rp2,800 trillion. Of the total budget for state expenditures, spending for ministries/state institutions is set at Rp763.6 trillion or some 36.7 percent.
While budget for transfers to regional administrations and village fund is set at Rp764.9 trillion (36,8 percent), and for state general treasurer at Rp552 trillion (26.5 percent).
At the occasion, the President disclosed some policies to safeguard the nations sovereignty and self-esteem.
"This can be seen in our front lines, that have been renovated to make it better, such as cross-border posts in Entikong, West Kalimantan and Motoain, East Nusa Tenggara," he said.
With regard to connectivity, the President said, the government has targeted connecting all regions in the country by accelerating development of logistical infrastructure.
"We want to see Indonesia-centric not Java-centric development. With the improved connectivity, goods and people traffic would become smoother," he said.
On the development of sea toll routes in 2016, Jokowi admitted that some routes have yet to be completed. "In 2017, the routes will be more complex. More ships will pass big and small ports in Indonesia, goods and people traffic will become smoother to materialize social justice."
In addition to physical development, the government has also encouraged development in social sector.
"With our Indonesia Smart Card, Indonesia Healthy Card, and complementary feeding program, non prosperous families could improve their condition," Jokowi said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
