Maximize the use of General Allocation Funds and Special Allocation Funds

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 148 views

Effects of General Allocation Funds, Special Allocation Funds, Revenue Sharing Funds, Regional Original Revenues, and Remaining Budget Financing for Regional Governments in the Regency/City Government in North Sumatra Province for the 2016-2020 Period

Introduction

The management of regional finances is a crucial aspect of regional development, as it directly affects the quality of public services and the welfare of the community. In Indonesia, regional governments rely on various sources of funding, including General Allocation Funds (DAU), Special Allocation Funds (DAK), Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH), Regional Original Revenue (PAD), and the remaining Budget Financing (SILPA). This study aims to determine the effect of these funds on regional expenditure in districts/cities in North Sumatra Province during the period 2016 to 2020.

Background

Regional governments in Indonesia are responsible for managing their own finances, which includes allocating funds for various development projects and public services. The General Allocation Fund (DAU) is the primary source of funding for regional governments, while the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) is used for specific development projects. Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH) are allocated to regional governments based on their revenue collection, while Regional Original Revenue (PAD) is generated from local sources. The remaining Budget Financing (SILPA) is used to cover any shortfalls in the regional budget.

Methodology

This study uses an associative causal research design, which aims to determine the relationship between the independent variables (funds) and the dependent variable (regional expenditure). The population in this study includes 33 districts/cities in North Sumatra Province, and the sampling method used is a saturated sample method, where all existing populations become samples. With a total of 33 districts/cities consisting of 25 districts and 8 cities and observations for five years, a total of 165 observations were obtained.

Results

The results of this study show that the General Allocation Fund, Special Allocation Funds, and Regional Original Revenues have a positive and significant influence on regional expenditure. This means that every increase in these funds will contribute to increasing regional spending, which in turn can improve public services and regional development. On the other hand, Revenue Sharing Funds and the remaining Budget Financing do not show a significant effect on regional expenditure. This indicates that although the funds are available, its utilization may not be optimal or there are other factors that are more influential in determining regional spending.

Discussion

The results of this study have several implications for regional governments in North Sumatra Province. Firstly, the study highlights the importance of maximizing the use of General Allocation Funds and Special Allocation Funds to support more effective regional expenditure. Proper management and allocation of these funds will increase the potential of regional development, improve the quality of public services, and improve the welfare of the community. Secondly, the study suggests that regional governments need to strengthen their financial management system and supervision of the use of funds to ensure that these funds have a significant impact on regional development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that General Allocation Funds, Special Allocation Funds, and Regional Original Revenues have a positive and significant influence on regional expenditure in districts/cities in North Sumatra Province during the period 2016 to 2020. However, Revenue Sharing Funds and the remaining Budget Financing do not show a significant effect on regional expenditure. The study highlights the importance of proper management and allocation of funds to support regional development and improve the quality of public services.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Maximize the use of General Allocation Funds and Special Allocation Funds: Regional governments need to further maximize the use of these funds to support more effective regional expenditure.
Strengthen the regional financial management system: Regional governments need to strengthen their financial management system and supervision of the use of funds to ensure that these funds have a significant impact on regional development.
Improve the quality of public services: Regional governments need to improve the quality of public services to meet the needs of the community.
Increase transparency in the use of funds: Regional governments need to increase transparency in the use of funds to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The study only includes 33 districts/cities in North Sumatra Province, which may not be representative of all regional governments in Indonesia.
Limited time period: The study only covers the period 2016 to 2020, which may not capture the long-term effects of the funds on regional expenditure.
Limited data availability: The study relies on secondary data, which may not be comprehensive or accurate.

Future Research Directions

This study provides several avenues for future research, including:

Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study that covers a longer period of time can provide more comprehensive evidence on the effects of the funds on regional expenditure.
Comparative study: A comparative study that includes multiple regions can provide more generalizable evidence on the effects of the funds on regional expenditure.
Qualitative study: A qualitative study that explores the experiences and perceptions of regional governments and communities can provide more in-depth insights into the effects of the funds on regional expenditure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effects of General Allocation Funds, Special Allocation Funds, Revenue Sharing Funds, Regional Original Revenues, and Remaining Budget Financing for Regional Governments in the Regency/City Government in North Sumatra Province for the 2016-2020 Period

Q: What are the main sources of funding for regional governments in Indonesia?

A: The main sources of funding for regional governments in Indonesia include General Allocation Funds (DAU), Special Allocation Funds (DAK), Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH), Regional Original Revenue (PAD), and the remaining Budget Financing (SILPA).

Q: What is the purpose of General Allocation Funds (DAU)?

A: The General Allocation Fund (DAU) is the primary source of funding for regional governments, which is used to cover general expenditures such as personnel costs, operational costs, and capital expenditures.

Q: What is the purpose of Special Allocation Funds (DAK)?

A: The Special Allocation Fund (DAK) is used for specific development projects, such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.

Q: What is the purpose of Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH)?

A: The Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH) is allocated to regional governments based on their revenue collection, which is used to support regional development.

Q: What is the purpose of Regional Original Revenue (PAD)?

A: The Regional Original Revenue (PAD) is generated from local sources, such as taxes, fees, and other revenue sources, which is used to support regional development.

Q: What is the purpose of the remaining Budget Financing (SILPA)?

A: The remaining Budget Financing (SILPA) is used to cover any shortfalls in the regional budget.

Q: What are the implications of the study for regional governments in North Sumatra Province?

A: The study highlights the importance of maximizing the use of General Allocation Funds and Special Allocation Funds to support more effective regional expenditure. Proper management and allocation of these funds will increase the potential of regional development, improve the quality of public services, and improve the welfare of the community.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including limited sample size, limited time period, and limited data availability.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The study provides several avenues for future research, including longitudinal study, comparative study, and qualitative study.

Q: What are the recommendations for regional governments in North Sumatra Province?

A: The study recommends that regional governments in North Sumatra Province should maximize the use of General Allocation Funds and Special Allocation Funds, strengthen their financial management system, improve the quality of public services, and increase transparency in the use of funds.

Q: What are the implications of the study for policy makers?

A: The study highlights the importance of proper management and allocation of funds to support regional development and improve the quality of public services. Policy makers should consider the study's findings when making decisions about regional funding and development.

Q: What are the implications of the study for researchers?

A: The study provides evidence on the effects of General Allocation Funds, Special Allocation Funds, Revenue Sharing Funds, Regional Original Revenues, and Remaining Budget Financing on regional expenditure in districts/cities in North Sumatra Province. Researchers can use the study's findings as a basis for further research on regional development and financing.