Jakarta Government Prioritises Citizen Welfare Amid DBH Budget Cut Concerns

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Special Staff to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta for Public Communication, Chico Hakim, has affirmed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government continues to prioritise the welfare of its citizens amid widespread concerns over further cuts to the revenue-sharing funds (DBH) for Jakarta. “The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government under Governor Pramono Anung is addressing this issue with a wise and proactive stance. We respect the national fiscal condition, yet remain focused on our main priority, which is safeguarding citizen welfare and accelerating development towards Jakarta’s five-century vision,” Chico stated via text message on Tuesday. Previously, Deputy Speaker of the DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Basri Baco, had reminded the executive branch to prepare for the possibility of further DBH cuts by the central government. “It is possible that our DBH will decrease again. The central government is currently very keen on social programmes that please the public and require substantial funds,” Baco stated on Friday (19/6). Responding to this statement, Chico said the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government understands the DPRD’s concerns regarding the potential for further DBH cuts. To address this, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will take several steps, including implementing strict budget efficiency and reallocation measures, as well as cutting non-priority spending without reducing basic services to the public, such as free education, healthcare, public transportation, waste management, flood control, and slum area improvement. Furthermore, the provincial government is encouraging the optimisation of locally generated revenue (PAD) through innovation, increased investment, and the empowerment of regionally owned enterprises (BUMD) to maximise the use of regional assets. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will also explore creative and regulation-compliant alternative financing schemes, such as the Jakarta Collaboration Fund with the private sector and other regional financing instruments, to ensure strategic programmes continue.