JAKARTA (1 September 2023) – Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) approved the additional budget proposal for 2024 submitted by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). This support cannot be separated from various real efforts to alleviate poverty and other social issues through improved programs and quick responses. Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini appreciated the support of Commission VIII.


The accomplishment of a Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on the MoSA's 2022 Financial Report is one of the key performance benchmarks for parliamentarians. However, a member of Commission VIII Achmad believes that the MoSA's responsiveness in handling public complaints is a more important success than the BPK's view.


“This is an extraordinary achievement. It is not the WTP that we are proud of but MoSA's response was very fast. I contacted the Minister on Friday, and to my surprise, the aid was delivered on Saturday. Thank you to the Minister for being so consistent in her performance," Achmad remarked, referring to the MoSA's provision of help to fire victims in Rokan Hulu, Riau.


The conclusion of the Commission VIII Working Meeting with the Minister of Social Affairs, signed by the Deputy Chair of Commission VIII DPR RI Ace Hasan Syadzily on Thursday (31/8), affirmed Commission VIII's support for the Ministry of Social Affairs.


Furthermore, Commission VIII encouraged MoSA to increase the success of social assistance distribution, increase the Integrated Welfare Houses (RST) program, and the Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) program because it is very beneficial for the wider community. Moreover, MoSA was asked to continue the assistance program for orphans (YAPI), paying attention to the welfare of social companions such as PKH companions, Social Rehabilitation companions and Disaster Response Volunteers (Tagana).


Commission VIII, on the other hand, criticizes the reduction in the Ministry of Social Affairs budget for 2024 to IDR 79,198,826,945,000. There was a reduction of IDR 220,598,950,000 compared to the 2023 budget of IDR 79,419,425,895,000. Legislative members confirmed that MoSA's programs have had a significant impact on beneficiaries. 


As a result, the DPR approved an additional budget proposal of IDR 2,755,609,466,945 that includes distribution costs, additional RST for 9,100 houses, a three-month honorarium for PKH companions, an additional 20,000 PENA beneficiaries, health insurance for social companions, an additional YAPI budget, and food assistance.


The Minister extended her gratitude to the parliamentary members for their cooperation. The Minister expects that this plan will be agreed and implemented by 2024. "Thank you; hopefully, we'll be able to implement the programs in January. We're hoping to get the additional budget by 2024," added the Minister.


On the same occasion, the Minister also explained the performance achievements in 2023, which included a budget absorption rate of 64.36%.