Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said in front of leaders of district legislative assemblies (DPRD) from all over Indonesia, he hopes no delay in the approval of regional budget in 2016.

"I ask DPRD to push for implementation of the program from the start of year to prevent economic contraction," the president said when opening the 4th national congress of the DPRD Association here on Thursday.

He said the regions still have funds totaling Rp259 trillion in BPD or regional banks.

The funds could have contributed greatly to economic development if they have been spent properly, he added.

"It is quite a big money . It they have been used the economy could have grown faster," he said.

He also called on DPRD members to watch and control the process of using the budget funds , saying the process of spending must be transparent.

"Give greater portion to productive sector, cut unnecessary spending for the bureaucracy," he added.

He also encourage DPRD to launch deregulation measure saying regional regulations should restrict the process of administration.

"We must not get trapped by our regulation," he added.

He said success in the national development is determined by good synergy between the center and the regions.

He said regional development programs should be in line with the national development planning.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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