Defense Ministry Establishes Financial Accountability Forum
Jakarta. The Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday it had established a National Accountability Forum to improve budgetary transparency and financial accountability among Indonesia's key defense bodies.
"This forum is intended to increase transparency and accountability in the way we make use of the budget and write financial reports," said Lt. Gen. Ediwan Prabowo, secretary general of the Ministry of Defense.
Along with the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), National Intelligence Agency (BIN) and National Encryption Body (Lemsaneg) will be part of the forum.
The government announced in November last year that it was committed to boosting defense spending up to 1.5 percent of Indonesia’s state budget, almost double the current level.
Defense spending currently represents 0.8 percent of the total state budget — about Rp 83 trillion ($6.4 billion).
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has previously said increased spending was needed not only to revamp weaponry and military equipment, but additionally to improve the welfare of soldiers and police officers.
Tags: Keywords: