House Leadership Receives Input from APKASI on Budget Policy and Regional Development
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal received and held a dialogue with the leadership of the Association of Regency Governments Throughout Indonesia (APKASI) in the Leadership Room, Nusantara III Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday morning (24/7). The meeting was also attended by APKASI Chairman General Bursah Zarnubi along with the association’s leadership and a number of regents from various provinces.
A range of inputs and aspirations were conveyed directly by the regents to the DPR RI leadership, from regional governance to support for accelerating development in their respective areas. One of the main issues raised in the dialogue was the budget efficiency policy that has recently sparked public debate.
In response, the DPR RI expressed its understanding of these dynamics and affirmed its commitment to work hand in hand with the government to formulate the best solutions for the development and progress of regions across Indonesia.
Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal said the DPR RI is opening the widest possible space for APKASI and all regents to channel their aspirations.
“We in the DPR RI are here to listen directly to the voices of the regents. The aspirations from APKASI today are important input for us to continue pushing budget policies that side with accelerating regional development,” said Cucun.
Meanwhile, Sufmi Dasco added that the outcome of today’s dialogue will serve as material for the DPR RI to continue coordinating with the central government, so that the direction of the budget efficiency policy remains aligned with regional development needs.
APKASI Chairman General Bursah Zarnubi appreciated the dialogue space provided by the DPR RI leadership, while emphasising the importance of synergy between the centre and the regions amid current fiscal challenges.
“We appreciate the dialogue space provided by the DPR RI leadership today. APKASI hopes that future budget efficiency policies will continue to give regions room to maintain the quality of basic services for the public, from education and health to infrastructure,” said Bursah.
Through this meeting, the DPR RI affirmed its commitment to continue synergising with the government and all regents in order to deliver optimal budget policies and support the development and progress of regions throughout Indonesia.
Also present at the meeting were Arief Rohman (Regent of Blora), Radityo Egi Pratama (Regent of South Lampung), Joune J.E. Ganda (Regent of North Minahasa), Bursah Zarnubi (Regent of Lahat), M. Dadang Supriatna (Regent of Bandung), Witiarso Utomo (Regent of Jepara), Ischak Maulana Rohman (Regent of Tegal), Jon Firman Pandu (Regent of Solok), and Ella Nuryamah (Regent of East Lampung), along with other APKASI officials.