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)