Rp 37.31 Billion Fund Prepared by Malang City for Covid-19 Handling

Kapanlagi.com - Several budget activities, including official trips, have been cut and redirected by the Malang City Government for Covid-19 handling. Currently, a total budget of Rp 37.2 billion has been projected for Covid-19 outbreak handling.

"A total budget of around Rp 37.2 billion has been projected, including an allocation for Unexpected Expenditures (BTT) of Rp 2.15 billion," said Sutiaji in his written statement on Thursday (26/3).

Sutiaji admitted to asking the Secretary of the Regional Government (Sekda) to cut and redirect several budgets for the purpose of Covid-19 handling, including protecting directly affected residents.

1. Social Assistance Allocation

Sekda Wasto, who is also the Head of the Malang City Covid-19 Task Force, explained that the budget for handling Covid-19 is in the form of social assistance to directly affected city residents. Social assistance is intended for street vendors (PKL), visually impaired persons with disabilities who work as reflexologists, as well as socially vulnerable and poor residents.

In addition, the additional budget is also used to anticipate the surge in Covid-19 cases in Malang City. This will have consequences on the capacity of referral hospitals.

"We will prepare RSUD to become a referral hospital, in addition to the 4 that have been designated, namely RSSA, RST, RS Lavallete, and RS Panti Waluyo. Around Rp15 billion is allocated for this plan," said Wasto.

2. Provision of PPE

credit: Kapanlagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

The budget structure for handling Covid-19 can be broken down into Rp 2.150 billion from BTT and Rp 9.9 billion from the Health Department, which will be used for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), procurement of medical equipment and support for Health Laboratories, procurement of SiCo units, and disinfectant materials.

Meanwhile, the city administration will inject affected residents with an allocation of Rp 10.260 billion.

"We don't know how long this 'storm' will last, hopefully it will end soon. Therefore, the possibility of additional budget for handling is something we anticipate," he said.

3. Budget Formulation

Budget formulation and activity references involve the Chairman of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), the Prosecutor's Office, and the Malang City Police. Discussions were held in a marathon manner starting from the meeting on Tuesday (24/3) and Thursday (26/3) in the Balaikota Meeting Room.

"We will continue to involve and invite the Council's leaders, the Prosecutor's Office, and the City Police," added Wasto.

(kpl/dar/lou)