Safety net funds abuse uncovered
Safety net funds abuse uncovered
JAKARTA (JP): The National Development Planning Board
(Bappenas) has uncovered abuse of social safety net funds for
political interests in the regions, an official said on Monday.
Bappenas' deputy head for regional affairs, Herman Haeruman,
said some government officials told recipients that the money was
from the Golkar Party.
He said instances of abuse had taken place in Kediri in East
Java, Semarang, North Sumatra, North Jakarta and Cianjur in West
Java.
"They described the money as Golkar aid," Herman told Antara.
A variety of organizations have urged the government to stop
the program, citing concerns that safety net funds targeted at
the poor will be used to ensure Golkar's victory in the
forthcoming polls.
Board officials earlier dismissed warnings from activists
about a potential conflict of interest.
According to Herman, Bappenas will intensify campaigns to
educate communities about the purpose of the fund and to simplify
application procedures.
The government earlier denied World Bank plans to postpone
further channeling of the funds, as demanded by several
nongovernmental organizations (NGO). The NGOs said the program
should be stopped until organization and monitoring mechanisms
were clarified.
Herman said distribution would involve NGOs, donors and
universities.
"Bappenas will unite several organizations managing the social
safety net programs to become a national managing team," he said.
Separately, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) demanded on Monday the internationally funded program
cease distributing aid before the polls, as it was benefiting
Golkar's chances.
The party's director for human resources, Tjahyo Kumolo, said
Golkar, through government officials, had abused the fund
obtained from foreign loans, in order to win the elections.
"We believe Golkar is using a money politics strategy," said
Tjahyo in Purwokerto, Central Java, citing reports from his party
officials in nearby Tegal. (prb/45)