Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has urged local governments to expedite regional spending at the beginning of the year to encourage people's economic activities.
"Local governments should make spending targets every three months. They should also record how much spending has been successfully executed according to the target," he said in a press statement obtained here on Friday.
He made the statement after attending the strategic program monitoring and evaluation meeting in Riau Islands with representatives of local governments.
The appeal to accelerate spending at the beginning of the year is in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directives, Karnavian said.
Furthermore, the minister urged regional governments to continue development programs implemented by the central government, which are aimed at encouraging people's economic activities.
He also lauded the Riau Islands provincial government, which has been considered successful in managing the province’s revenue and expenditures.
The government managed to realize 98 percent of the targeted income and 93.18 percent of the targeted spending, he noted.
"It shows that various development programs are running well," Karnavian said.
He also praised the good COVID-19 mitigation attempts conducted by the provincial government, evidenced by the high vaccination coverage and low additional daily cases.
"I hope that the Riau Islands provincial government will consistently maintain the situation since it is key for us to restore the national economy," he added.
Meanwhile, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad said that his administration will continue to strive to expedite regional development through various government programs.
The provincial government will also attempt to accelerate government spending to encourage economic activities and expedite economic growth after the contraction caused by the pandemic.
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