Preventing corruption offences that frequently ensnare regional heads\ncannot rely solely on the oversight function. Such efforts must also be\naccompanied by stronger governance and the integrity of each regional\nhead as the key to preventing corrupt practices.<\/p>\n
This was stated by Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito\nKarnavian following a Working Meeting and Hearing with Commission II of\nthe House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliamentary Complex in\nSenayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (16\/7). According to Tito, a combination\nof a robust oversight system and the integrity of regional officials\nwill form an important foundation in reducing the potential for\ncorruption.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we can do for regional heads is, first, we hold retreats. The\naim is to strengthen their nationalism and integrity. We also provide\ninitial briefing, including with the KPK (Corruption Eradication\nCommission) present. BPKP (Finance and Development Supervisory Agency)\nis also there to provide input,\u201d Tito said.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Tito emphasised that regional heads occupy a different\nposition from officials within the chain of command because they are\ndirectly elected by the people. For that reason, the mentoring approach\nis directed more towards strengthening systems and improving the\ncapacity of government administration.<\/p>\n
He explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has built\nvarious oversight instruments, including through the Regional Government\nInformation System (SIPD), the preparation of Regional Revenue and\nExpenditure Budget (APBD) guidelines, and the regional financial\nsupervision system.<\/p>\n
In addition, the government, together with the KPK and the Attorney\nGeneral\u2019s Office, is developing a corruption prevention system through\nMonitoring, Controlling, Surveillance for Prevention (MCSP). Even so, he\nreminded that no matter how good the system built, it still requires\nintegrity from each regional head.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut all these systems can still be circumvented in the field. There\nare gratuities and so on. So this comes back to the integrity of each\nregional head,\u201d Tito continued.<\/p>\n
On that occasion, Tito also highlighted the high political costs\ninvolved in regional head elections, which often become a crucial\nissue.<\/p>\n
According to him, this situation needs to be addressed with\nbreakthroughs, one of which is a proposal to increase the operational\nbudget of regional heads from a percentage of the increase in Local\nOwn-Source Revenue (PAD). In this way, regional heads would have an\nincentive to improve their region\u2019s fiscal performance without burdening\nthe public.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut this needs a study first. There needs to be inter-ministerial\nand inter-institutional discussions within government, and if necessary\ndiscussions with the DPR as well. Because this is an important\ndecision,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/home-affairs-minister-tito-stresses-integrity-as-key-to-preventing-corruption-among-regional-heads-1784210082", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }