Suhud Ensures No Budget Cuts for Public Welfare Programmes

The Chairman of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Suhud Alynudin, has emphasised that efficiency measures within the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) must not reduce programmes concerning public welfare.

He stated that Jakarta’s current fiscal condition is facing significant pressure. In addition to a deficit in the development budget, there has also been a reduction in Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH).

“The deficit is quite large. This requires the Jakarta Provincial Government to implement efficiency measures regarding the existing budget,” Suhud said in a statement on Tuesday.

He ensured that the Jakarta DPRD will oversee efficiency policies to ensure they do not target programmes that directly touch upon the needs of residents. These programmes include the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU), food subsidies, and budget allocations for flood management and prevention. “The Council wants to ensure there are no cuts to budgets related to public welfare,” he asserted.

According to him, efficiency should be directed towards spending that does not have a significant impact on development and public services. In this way, the basic needs of residents remain protected amidst fiscal pressure. “We will ensure there are no cuts and no reductions,” Supland explained.

Suhud also encouraged the Jakarta Provincial Government to be more active in exploring alternative funding sources through creative financing. He assessed that Jakarta possesses significant funding potential and opportunities for cooperation that can be elaborated with various parties, so that development financing does not rely solely on routine revenue sources.

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