In the wake of the current situation, the real role of BMN and BMD is very important. We must strive to not be in vain or of no use,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani Indrawati strongly backs the move to intensify the benefits and roles of State Property (BMN) and Regional Property (BMD) to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"In the wake of the current situation, the real role of BMN and BMD is very important. We must strive to not be in vain or of no use," Sri Mulyani remarked in Jakarta, Tuesday.

Indrawati called for optimally utilizing several BMN and BMD in handling COVID-19, such as an isolation room as well as observation and treatment facilities.

The minister cited as an example that BMN and BMD used for handling COVID-19 comprised Galang Island, Athletes House, and the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory.

"We all utilize it in order to deal with COVID-19," Indrawati noted.

The minister is optimistic that ministries and institutions as well as local governments (pemda) would continue to intensify the use of these state-owned goods, so that they not only function for the government but also for society and the economy.

"The role of state property is very important in our economy and should be improved," Indrawati stated.

Meanwhile, the minister stated that BMN's assessment last year, which was audited by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), resulted in an increase in the value of fixed assets in the balance of the National Public Procurement Agency (LKPP), from Rp1,931.1 trillion to Rp5,949.9 trillion.

“The increase in value indicates a change in market value. This illustrates the value of our efforts in using state finances responsibly," Indrawati pointed out.

The minister stated that the rise in value also increased the value of assets belonging to the central government, from earlier Rp6,325.3 trillion to currently Rp10,467.5 trillion.

"I am grateful to all ministries and agencies that have continued to streamline their administration and update the assessment of BMN as a form of our accountability," Indrawati stated.

The Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital (RSD) for COVID-19 has begun operating tower 4 as an additional building to accommodate asymptomatic patients in need of isolation.

Tower 4 became operational today, as the three towers -- 5, 6, and 7 -- currently in use, were nearly full, Coordinator of the COVID-19 Emergency Hospital Major General Dr Tugas Ratmono earlier noted in a statement at Graha BNPB here on Monday.

Towers 6 and 7 comprise treatment rooms for COVID-19 patients exhibiting mild to moderate symptoms. The Towers 4 and 5 serve for self-isolation of asymptomatic patients.

Currently, the bed capacity at Towers 6 and 7 reached 80 percent. Meanwhile, the bed capacity at Tower 5 currently touched 90 percent.

"We have currently prepared Tower 4, with 1,546 beds. Since this morning, we have begun accommodating patients, and the healthcare workers are also ready," he noted.

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Translator: Astrid F, Azis Kurmala
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