Remarks by Ambassador Blake at Launch of Phase 2 of Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Procurement Modernization Project
Minister of Public Works Hadimuljono
Bappenas Deputy Minister of Foreign Funding Wismana Suryabrata;
Governors of Central Kalimantan, Maluku, and Gorontalo;
Assembled Bupatis and Walikota;
The Head of LKPP, Agus Prabowo;
Our moderator Pak Reifeldi, Human Development Director at LKPP;
MCA Executive Director Bona Siahaan;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to be able to join you today to mark the opening of Phase 2 of our Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Procurement Modernization Project in close partnership with the Government of Indonesia.
This project is one part of MCC’s $600 million compact with Indonesia that entered into force in April 2013. The $50 million Procurement Modernization Project, implemented by MCA-Indonesia, is working to assist the Government of Indonesia improve public procurement performance such that government expenditure savings are achieved, with no reduction in the quality of procured goods and services.
The PM Project is improving public sector procurement performance by building the capacity of Indonesian Government institutions through:
- procurement training, organizational development mentoring,
- the introduction of improved procurement management information systems, and the facilitation of framework contracting and public private partnership policies and practices.
MCC is proud to partner with LKPP to support the Procurement Modernization Project. Specifically, we are here today to celebrate the commencement of Phase 2 with the leadership of Pilot Procurement Service Units such as LKPP, the Ministries of Public Works, Transportation, Finance, Public Health, Foreign Affairs, and the Province of DKI Jakarta.
The presence here today of representatives of these units underscores the importance of the Project and the urgency of this work, with just two years remaining under the Compact.
One of the core components of maintaining strong economic growth in Indonesia is the ability of the Government to provide adequate infrastructure and services to its citizens. Providing these goods and services is critical at all levels of government. All 45 Pilots participating in this Project have the ability to improve the lives of Indonesians citizens throughout the country.
Why? Because sound public procurement practices are critical to ensuring that Indonesia provides citizens with good governance and with high levels of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
The ground breaking work and significant achievements of all 45 of the Pilots present today establish an important legacy that will ultimately build support from Indonesia’s voters. This public support in turn will help to sustain procurement reforms and ensure that momentum continues towards effective, transparent, and accountable government Indonesia.
I am proud to be a witness to the leadership and commitment demonstrated by the MOU signing today. I wish you success with this important endeavor to reform government procurement and improve the services and facilities for all the citizens of Indonesia.
