Jakarta deputy governor releases spending figures via website; in line with city budget | INSIDER DATA
(Insider Stories)-A spending transparency initiative by Jakarta deputy governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, continues a track record the new Jakarta administration has established in its short time in office for transparency and good financial management.
Many observers see the new city government as one of relatively few bright spots in Indonesia’s leadership.
Documentation of operational costs uploaded at Purnama’s personal website shows spending of just over 1 billion rupiah ($103,000) since January 1, leaving a moderate surplus.
The figures indicate that Purnama kept spending slightly below the operational funds allocated to the deputy governor’s office, which he has previously posted on the site.
Padjajaran University law lecturer Yasmil Anwar said the decision to make operational spending publicly available may encourage investors by showing goodwill. Corruption, lack of transparency in government and confusing, overlapping regulations are among the major factors that damp investor sentiment in Indonesia despite rapid economic growth, an expanding middle class and strong potential in natural resources and other sectors.
IDR350 million in operational funds was received each month while outlays included social security, charity and Lunar New Year festival arrangements.
Purnama also uploads salary receipts on a monthly basis, showing his monthly base salary to be IDR2.4 million ($247) while that of governor Joko Widodo is IDR3 million. Jakarta city minimum wage is IDR2.2 million.
