As many as 81 regional governments have been awarded transparency index and best regional financial condition by Universitas Gadjah Mada. The awards were presented by Vice-Rector of Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Paripurna, and Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business UGM, Dr. Eko Suwardi M.Sc, to 28 regional governments that received financial transparency and 53 that received best financial condition index. Some of them that were present for best financial condition index awards were Mayor of South Tangerang, Airin Rachmi Diany, and Mayor of Denpasar, Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra; and Mayor of Jayapura, Benhur Tomi Mano, for transparency index.
Paripurna said these awards were expected to motivate the regions to manage finance more accountably and transparently. “We hope the regional governments are able to manage the budget better that will give real benefits to society,” said Paripurna on Thursday (7/9) in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM.
The event went alongside with the national seminar and launching of regional financial index themed Regional Financial Index and Financial Transparency, inviting speakers from UGM, Prof Dr Abdul Halim, MBA , and expert staff to Home Affairs Minister for economy and development, Drs. Hamdani, MM, M.Si.
Abdul Halim said it was about time for the regions to prioritise the principle of transparancy, accountability and healthy condition. But real condition is that the earmarked regional budget is deficit but real fact it is surplus. “Therefore, the remainders of budget become a national problem,” he said.
He said each regional leader, regional executives and legislative members need to understand well the regional development funding and apply information technology for e-government system, e-planning and e-budgeting for more transparency. He added all procedures and regulations have to comply with the state and regional financial management criteria.
Expert staff, Hamdani, said the understanding of the regions of regulations and implementation of regional finance was still very low. “Understanding of regulations is low and many are doubtful with the implementation,” he said.
So, commitment is required from the regions to run regional finance which is transparent and accountable to prevent them from corruption crimes. He suggested the regional leaders to avoid intervening bidding or procurement. “Regional leaders are no expert in that area. Whenever there are regional executives asking for consideration to do a bidding or direct appointment, avoid it, that could trap them (into corruption),” he said.
He considered the regional leaders that are involved in a project conspiracy are already against the law. On the other hand, he suggested the regional leaders not to waste time just to complete the accountability report. “Like the President said, ‘Don’t waste your time to do accountability report’,” he said.