"We are always committed to encouraging regions to pursue the realization of the regional budget, both the realization of income and expenditure. Thus, the Home Affairs Ministry team has decided to go to the regions, even on holidays," Director Feneral of Regional Finance at the Home Affairs Ministry Agus Fatoni said in a statement received here on Monday.
As part of efforts to accelerate the realization of regional revenues and expenditures, an evaluation monitoring and assistance team from the ministry was sent to Cilegon city, he informed.
The visit was deliberately conducted on holidays as opposed to weekdays so as not to interfere with the Cilegon government civil servants' activities, he added.
According to the records of the Home Affairs Ministry, the realization of Cilegon city's revenue reached 50.09 percent, or was the 4th lowest in Banten Province.
Then, the realization of Cilegon city's expenditure stood at 38.30 percent, or the 3rd lowest in Banten Province.
"This needs to be paid attention to, considering that currently, the time for realization is already in the middle of the third quarter for the 2022 fiscal year," said Fatoni.
The problem with the regional budget occurred due to delays in the auction of the procurement of goods and services, as well as delays in the administration of accountability. Therefore, he suggested that the Cilegon government conduct an early auction.
He called for the administration of accountability to be adjusted to the terms of payment. The measure is necessary so that the realization of the budget does not accumulate at the end of the year.
In addition to these efforts, the Cilegon government has also been asked to make an activity plan with periodic, consistent, and measurable scheduling.
He said that if there are obstacles and doubts in its implementation, it can consult and coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ team.
"Immediately fulfill the commitment of the target of spending realization by the end of August, at least 51 percent," Fatoni added.
He also advised the Cilegon government to improve the realization of the budget. This is because the effort would affect the rate of budget realization in the fourth quarter and make it better.
"The regional budget changes must be pursued, and when implementing (the realization of the regional budget) do not only (take) the money until nothing's left, but also pay attention to the output," he added.
Fatoni stressed the necessity of the regional government's contribution to efforts to control inflation at the regional level. He said this has been directed by President Joko Widodo and Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian.
"Don't forget (budgeting) to control inflation in the regions. Mr. President and Mr. Minister have kept reminding you. (The budget) can be used for unexpected purchases and can also be used for social assistance," he added.
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Translator: Boyke Ledy W, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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