DPD Speaker Emphasises Regional Transfer Funds as Instrument for Equitable Development

DPD RI Speaker Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin has welcomed the substantial allocation of central government spending to the regions through a number of priority programmes. However, he said that adjustments to regional transfer funds must take into account basic service needs.

Sultan made the remarks in his speech at the 2026 joint session of the DPD and DPR RI at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14/8/2026). He noted that the basic regional needs requiring attention include health and education.

“The policy of adjusting regional transfer funds must continue to consider the needs and capacity of regions in providing basic services, such as education, health, and infrastructure,” Sultan said.

Sultan stated that regional transfer funds are not merely budget allocations, but are intended for equitable development. He therefore urged regional governments to increase their revenue innovation.

“Regional transfer funds are not simply budget allocations, but rather instruments of economic growth and equitable development. For this reason, regional governments need to improve revenue innovation, spending effectiveness, and the quality of development planning,” he said.

In his speech, Sultan also noted that the Indonesian nation has been able to face a number of challenges over its 81 years. This, he said, is because the Indonesian people have always loved their country.

“This nation has faced conflict, economic crisis, natural disasters, pandemics, political turmoil, and various historical trials. Yet Indonesia remains standing firm,” he said.