Safety net funds abuse uncovered<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Development Planning Board
\n(Bappenas) has uncovered abuse of social safety net funds for
\npolitical interests in the regions, an official said on Monday.<\/p>\n
Bappenas' deputy head for regional affairs, Herman Haeruman,
\nsaid some government officials told recipients that the money was
\nfrom the Golkar Party.<\/p>\n
He said instances of abuse had taken place in Kediri in East
\nJava, Semarang, North Sumatra, North Jakarta and Cianjur in West
\nJava.<\/p>\n
\"They described the money as Golkar aid,\" Herman told Antara.<\/p>\n
A variety of organizations have urged the government to stop
\nthe program, citing concerns that safety net funds targeted at
\nthe poor will be used to ensure Golkar's victory in the
\nforthcoming polls.<\/p>\n
Board officials earlier dismissed warnings from activists
\nabout a potential conflict of interest.<\/p>\n
According to Herman, Bappenas will intensify campaigns to
\neducate communities about the purpose of the fund and to simplify
\napplication procedures.<\/p>\n
The government earlier denied World Bank plans to postpone
\nfurther channeling of the funds, as demanded by several
\nnongovernmental organizations (NGO). The NGOs said the program
\nshould be stopped until organization and monitoring mechanisms
\nwere clarified.<\/p>\n
Herman said distribution would involve NGOs, donors and
\nuniversities.<\/p>\n
\"Bappenas will unite several organizations managing the social
\nsafety net programs to become a national managing team,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Separately, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
\nPerjuangan) demanded on Monday the internationally funded program
\ncease distributing aid before the polls, as it was benefiting
\nGolkar's chances.<\/p>\n
The party's director for human resources, Tjahyo Kumolo, said
\nGolkar, through government officials, had abused the fund
\nobtained from foreign loans, in order to win the elections.<\/p>\n
\"We believe Golkar is using a money politics strategy,\" said
\nTjahyo in Purwokerto, Central Java, citing reports from his party
\nofficials in nearby Tegal. (prb\/45)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/safety-net-funds-abuse-uncovered-1447893297",
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