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Funds outstanding for Bandung celebration
Finishing touches: Workers finish redoing the walls of the Merdeka building in Bandung on Wednesday
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span class="inline inline-center">Finishing touches: Workers finish redoing the walls of the Merdeka building in Bandung on Wednesday. The government has allocated Rp 200 billion (US$15 million) to fund various activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Asia Africa Conference. JP/Arya Dipa
Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil has complained that no funds have been disbursed by the central government to renovate various facilities for the celebration of the Asia-Africa Conference's 60th anniversary in the city slated for April 2015.
'Not a single dime has been disbursed by the central government. We can only wait,' Ridwan said on the sidelines of a meeting with representatives of the central government in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday.
Among the representatives were head of the Presidential Chief of Staff Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Communication and Information Minister Rudiantara and State Secretary Pratikno.
The city administration very much depends on funds from the central government especially for the renovations of a number of facilities, the mayor said.
Among the facilities that need to be renovated are the sidewalks along Jl. Tamblong and Jl. Cilaki, the Bandung Grand Mosque as well as Jl. Cikapundung Timur, Jl. Naripan and Jl. Braga.
Other projects include the developments of two pedestrian bridges over Jl. Asia Africa, four monuments, three media centers, two new water fountains, giant flower pots and the repainting of slum buildings in the Braga area.
The administration had appointed contractors to finish the renovations of various facilities. The budget for these projects was Rp 70 billion, shared by the central government, provincial and city administrations and grants from third parties.
With regard to the late disbursement of the funds from the central government, Ridwan said he was aware that there were regulations obliging the disbursement of a fund through the Finance Ministry.
Pratikno said the central government had allocated at least Rp 200 billion to support the event, adding that the large allocation was made for the accommodation and transportation of some foreign delegates who were not financed by their respective countries.
'For those coming from financially poor countries, we pay for their expenses from the moment they arrive until they depart,' said Pratikno without mentioning the countries.
Pratikno also assured that equal services would be provided to all delegates, which would include the standard services offered to heads of state.
'We don't differentiate between big and small countries, even with respect to security measures,' he said.
Separately Luhut called on the Finance Ministry to disburse the fund for the renovation soon, especially since the celebration was fast approaching.
'It's okay to be working according to the procedures, but please speed it up,' Luhut said.
He also expressed appreciation for what the Bandung city administration had done for the preparation of the event, which would be attended by delegates from 109 Asian and African countries as well as observers from 19 countries including Norway, Russia, Chili, Venezuela and Cuba.
