Home Affairs Minister proposes bonuses for regional heads from own-source revenue

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has revealed an idea to provide regional heads with an incentive or bonus in the form of a percentage of the locally generated revenue (PAD) they achieve. Tito made the statement in response to journalists’ questions about the frequent arrest of regional heads in sting operations by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). “Why? If the PAD increases, the regional head becomes more active and creative in seeking their own budget without burdening the people,” he said when met at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday. “There is nothing wrong if they are given an incentive for their work results. The PAD will increase, but if there is no incentive, they might lose enthusiasm, be less enthusiastic, about generating PAD,” he stated. Regarding regional heads who have recently been frequently caught in sting operations by the anti-corruption commission, Tito said, “We have often conducted guidance, but it comes back to each individual, right.” He mentioned that another proposal to prevent regional heads from committing corruption already exists, such as providing operational fund support. “So that he (the regional head) doesn’t go anywhere, right,” he said. However, he noted that such proposals still raise further questions. “Can it guarantee? That is the question,” said Tito.