Heaptalk, Jakarta – Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) held the handover of State Owned-Assets (BMN) worth nearly USD993 million in the Ministry’s Auditorium, Jakarta on Wednesday (11/29).
In the occasion, around USD99 million of BMN was handed to ministries or institutions, while 90% of the total assets were channeled to local governments.
“In more detail, we handed BMN symbolically to 6 ministries or institutions, 7 provinces, 17 municipal governments, 43 regencies, and 1 foundation, including water resources infrastructure of USD8.9 million, housing assistance of USD188.5 million, and more,” stated PUPR Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono.
Responding to this measure, the Vice Regent of West Kutai, Edyanto Arkan, who attended the agenda directly conveyed that the activity is a good step that is conducted by PUPR to uphold transparency to society. This moment also demonstrated the government’s responsibility to the people.
“This activity is a form of PUPR accountabilities regarding BMN that is handed to local governments,” stated Vice Regent Edyanto (11/29).
Moreover, Edyanto explained West Kutai Regency has obtained 23 infrastructures in the form of a drinking water supply system (SPAM) in the period of 2005 to 2020. The building of these infrastructures is expected to be well-tapped by the local government and society.
“If the assets are well-managed, the benefit will be felt widely in the long-term. For this reason, we have to maintain this well. Thus we can propose for the further building of this facility in other areas to have an adequate water supply. In the near future, the management of this asset will involve Local Government-Owned Water Utility (PDAM),” affirmed Edyanto.
Vice Regent Edyanto said that this step is performed to implement PDAM’s principle, namely society’s responsibilities in maintaining the asset by paying the maintenance fees. Moreover, Edyanto appreciates the central government for channeling a total of USD 3.7 million to West Kutai Government. He conveyed that the capital will be utilized to manage and maintain the assets to deliver a great benefit to society.
Edyanto added that the Ministry also provides another type of BMNs, such as environment management asset. “But, the most BMN we received is SPAM because the system is the basic necessities for people. High-quality drinking water will enhance health quality,” said Edyanto.
The Director of West Kutai PDAM Untung Surapati, who also attended the agenda, explained that 14 districts out of 16 districts had enjoyed the facilities, and only two districts, spanning Bentian Besar and Nyuatan, are out of coverage areas.
Overcoming this issue, Untung stated that the government has formulated programs to construct new SPAMs.
“The document for this program has been sent to Public Works Department of Human Settlements,” said Untung. He added that this program is targeted to be implemented in 2024 due to the community’s demand.
