Local Government Heads Retreat Fully Funded by National Budget, Excess to be Returned
In a recent statement, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed that the upcoming retreat for elected local government heads, to be held at the Akmil Magelang complex in Central Java, will not be financed by regional budgets.
The entire budget for the retreat will be sourced from the national budget, specifically allocated from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This decision aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
Initially, a circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the costs of the retreat would be charged to regional governments through the Regional Budget (APBD), which would then be transferred to PT Lembah Tidar as the retreat’s location manager.
However, in a recent revision, it was clarified that the budget for the retreat will indeed come from the Ministry of Home Affairs, alleviating the financial burden on local governments.
One of the financing sources for the retreat will be the Regional Budget (APBD). Each local government head is required to contribute towards accommodation and meals during the week-long orientation, amounting to Rp 2,750,000 per day for 8 days.
In addition to accommodation and meals, expenses covered by the Regional Budget include transportation, clothing, and medication. This holistic approach aims to ensure that all aspects of the retreat are accounted for in the budget allocation.
Furthermore, Minister Prasetyo emphasized that PT Lembah Tidar is not owned by members of any political party, dispelling rumors that the location management was politically motivated. The land remains the property of the Military Academy, with PT Lembah Tidar solely responsible for managing the retreat facilities.
As a result, there will be no financial transfers from local governments to PT Lembah Tidar for the organization of the retreat. Minister Prasetyo reiterated that all financial transactions will be handled through the Ministry of Home Affairs, maintaining financial integrity and transparency.
On a related note, the Red and White Cabinet is currently in the midst of their second day of retreat at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java, underscoring the importance of collaborative and strategic planning in governance.
Moreover, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya has assured that any local government heads who have already transferred funds for the orientation or retreat from their Regional Budgets will receive a refund. This commitment to financial accountability reflects the government’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and fiscal responsibility.
In summary, the decision to fully fund the retreat for local government heads using the national budget, while maintaining transparency and accountability in financial management, underscores the government’s commitment to effective governance and responsible spending practices.
