TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati challenged Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno to improve Jakarta financial auditory report to the Supreme Audit Agency`s (BPK) highest score, which is to obtain an unqualified opinion (WTP).

“Jakarta’s grade should be an investment grade, which should really outperform nationally,” she said. “So, please Pak Sandi and Pak Anies, if it’s possible, beat me in financial reports,” the minister said on Wednesday, December 27.

Sri Mulyani stated her challenge during the opening of the Regional Medium Term Development Plan Forum (RPJMD), which was also attended by several regional and State Officials such as Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, and Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Chairman Mohamad Taufik.

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The Jakarta governor responded to Sri Mulyani’s challenge several hours later. “Inshallah, at least for the upcoming years, we will organize it from now on so that it would not cause problems. I can even say that our tax realization currently has surpassed our initial target,” said Anies Baswedan.

Sri Mulyani also criticized Jakarta’s travel expenses in the regional budget which she advised to be scrutinized. “Regional levels always have a higher cost standard. I would understand it if it were outside of Jakarta Greater Region. But the official travel expenses set by Jakarta Administration are nearly three times more expensive than the central government,” she said.

Minister Sri Mulyani continued to compare both the central government and Jakarta’s travel expense budgets, ”Jakarta is Rp1.5 million for each person per day, meanwhile, the central government standard is just Rp480,000 daily for each person. Besides, we are also in Jakarta.”

She continued by suggesting that she is not questioning how the budget is used, but rather, “is it really the good way to spend your money?” said Sri Mulyani.

Muhammad Hendartyo