The North Borneo regional government earned an award for its optimal budget implementation, partly because of its human development aimed at strengthening the districts.

Jakarta, GATRAreview.com - Healthcare and education. These are two primary focus in North Borneo for the fiscal year 2020, as said by the province's regional secretary, Suriansyah, during an awarding event by GATRA Media Group. He represented North Borneo, which would receive an honor for its excellent budget implementation.

Mr. Suriansyah declared his gratitude for the award, emphasizing that the North Borneo regional government is committed to delivering public welfare. “The governor is very committed to the budget. Our budget implementation has been declared with the unqualified opinion (WTP) five times over. It proves that the money went back to the public,” said him.

Education and healthcare gain the focus in the province's Regional Budget as both sectors are the foundation for excellent human capital. “When achieved, the North Borneo society will have become better,” said Mr. Suriansyah to Ane from GATRA Review.

Priority and Expenditure

For the fiscal year 2020, the national government will allocate Rp10.82tn in the State Budget for development in North Borneo. “The point is not in the budget size, but in how accountable and proper we manage the money. Thus, it will bring a great benefit to the society,” said Irianto Lambrie, the governor of North Borneo, during a briefing session for district chiefs and task force units in North Borneo, at the end of November.

Mr. Lambrie asked the district chiefs to rethink and manage the budget expenditure. “Prioritize the high-priority expenditure. Reduce any inconsequential expenditures, retain the integrity and professionalism in our financial management,” he said.

Data from Bank Indonesia (BI) says that during the third quarter in 2019, the North Borneo economy was said to “accelerate compared to the previous period.” During this time, there was a 7.87% year-on-year growth, a rise compared to the 7.18% year-on-year growth of the previous quarter. Geographically, North Borneo has become the province with the highest economic growth in the Borneo island as it grows at 5.60% (YoY) economically.

Based on the business sector, the period has seen economic growth in North Borneo as there was a boom in the construction and processing industries. The construction sector was providing more job opportunities after several projects, mostly funded by the private sector, had been launched in the area. The sales of cement in North Borneo during the third quarter in 2019 might confirm this booming construction.

Nur Hidayat

Translator: Gabriel Mahendra