JAKARTA (March 26, 2020) - Ministry of Social Affair support for the government's efforts to deal with the corona virus pandemic is manifested in various forms. Minister of Social Affair Juliari P. Batubara said, one form of support was a review (in-depth study) of refocusing activities and budget reallocation in line with President Joko Widodo's direction.
 
Inspector General Dadang Iskandar stated that refocusing activities and budget reallocation is a form of support for the government's hard efforts to overcome the corona virus pandemic (COVID-19). "At present, we are conducting a study of two directorate general. Namely the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation and the Directorate General of Social Protection and Security. But later reviews will also be carried out on all other work units (satker), "said Dadang Iskandar, in Jakarta, Thursday (03/26/2020).
 
Refocusing activities and budget reallocation is directed to support the President's policy in handling corona outbreaks (COVID-19). Previously, President Joko Widodo had signed Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 4 of 2020 concerning Refocusing Activities, Budget Reallocation and Procurement of Goods and Services in the framework of Accelerating the Handling of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
 
This Instruction ordered the minister / heads of institutions, governors, regents and mayors to prioritize the use of existing budgets to support the acceleration of handling COVID-19 by referring to the protocol for handling COVID-19 in ministries / institutions, regional governments and operational plans determined by the Task Force Accelerating Handling of COVID-19.
 
"The budget allocation will be directed to various efforts to accelerate the handling of COVID-19 such as the procurement of Hazardous Materials Suit (Hazmat Suit) for medical teams, masks, hand sanitizers and other needs that expand the reach of programs within the Ministry of Social Affairs," said Dadang.
 
An in-depth study by the Inspectorate General aims to ensure that budget diversion is carried out without violating the applicable regulations. "So, it is hoped that transparency and accountability of its implementation can later be accounted for both on the accuracy of targets, usefulness, appropriateness and compliance with regulations," he said.
 
Basically, the reallocation and refocusing program at the Directorate General of Social Protection and Security is focused on the purchase of health support equipment (masks and hand sanitizers) and supplements for the community as well as for Ministry of Social Affair employees.
 
The study was carried out in line with the policy of the Minister of Social Affairs, the Secretary General's Circular Letter and the Inspector General's Direction, with regard to the WHO security protocol, namely physical distancing.
 
"Therefore, the meeting was held from each home by using an online application in line with the provisions of the Working from Home (WFH) imposed in the Ministry of Social Affairs," he said. Together with the Supervisory Agency for Finance and Development (BPKP), the Inspectorate General will supervise during the procurement process.
 
The review process between auditors and auditors with technical units is carried out online through social media systems such as WhatsApp (WA) and e-mail, while the discussion process is carried out through Video Conference (vicon) media by using Zoom or Skype application, from Tuesday (24/03) to today (3/26).
 
Bureau of Public Relations
Ministry of Social Affairs