Novy Lumanauw, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo has rejected the controversial "aspirational funds" proposed by legislators, an official announced on Wednesday, saying the scheme would "clash" with his vision.

"The president disagrees," State Secretary Pratikno said after a cabinet meeting in Jakarta, adding the House of Representatives (DPR) should understand that the government's development programs were designed to reflect the president's vision and mission.

"If we provide these so-called aspirational funds, it would clash with the president's vision. We have to be consistent with the current system and we hope the House can understand," Pratikno said.

Legislators are pushing the government to include Rp 11.2 trillion ($814.6 million) in funds, which they are calling the "Electoral Region Development Fund" or UP2DP, in next year's state budget.

The proposed fund is to be distributed among all 560 House members and used for any development project of their choosing in their respective electoral districts. A House team working on details of the plan says there would be "no special supervision" of the use of the funds.

The plan has been received criticism from a number of corners, including the Corruption Eradication Commission, or KPK, which said on Tuesday that there was potential for misuse of the funds.

Pratikno urged the DPR to focus on deliberating the state budget and other pieces of legislation, and let the executive body do its work.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/jokowi-rejects-houses-proposal-aspirational-funds/