Jakarta Regional Council Ensures Welfare Programmes Continue Despite Budget Efficiencies

The Chairman of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Suhud Alynudin, has ensured that the council will oversee programmes aimed at community welfare to ensure they continue effectively, despite efficiency measures being applied to the Regional Budget (APBD).

“The Council wants to ensure there are no cuts to budgets related to public welfare,” Suerd stated in Jakarta on Monday.

Suhud noted that Jakarta’s current fiscal condition is facing considerable pressure, characterised by a development budget deficit and a reduction in Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH). Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Jakarta DPRD will monitor efficiency policies to ensure they do not target programmes that directly impact the needs of residents.

These essential programmes include the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), the Jakarta Excellent Student Card (KJMU), food subsidies, and budget allocations for flood management and prevention.

“The deficit is quite large, necessitating the Jakarta Provincial Government to implement efficiencies within the existing budget,” he said. He added that efficiency measures should focus on expenditures that do not have a significant impact on development or public services, thereby ensuring that the basic needs of citizens remain protected amidst fiscal constraints.

Furthermore, Suhud encouraged the Jakarta Provincial Government to be more proactive in exploring alternative funding sources through creative financing. He assessed that Jakarta possesses significant funding potential and opportunities for collaboration with various parties, meaning development financing should not rely solely on routine revenue sources.

The Jakarta DPRD will continue to monitor budget policies to ensure they remain pro-citizen, as the current economic climate demands that the local government works more carefully in determining spending priorities.