2023–2024 BOS Funds Highlighted, PGRI Bandung Regency Reminds School Principals to Be Alert

District Bandung, Konntroversinews | The Chairmen of the Republic of Indonesia Teachers’ Association (PGRI) at the sub-district level as well as the Chairmen of the Primary School Principals’ Working Group (K3S) throughout the Bandung Regency area are currently experiencing concerns. This is because a number of PGRI branch heads are reportedly in the public spotlight after undergoing examination by Law Enforcement Officers (APH) of the Bandung Regency Police.

Information circulating states that the inspection is related to alleged irregularities in the use of the School Operational Assistance Fund (BOS) budget for 2023–2024. Even so, there has been a number of speculations regarding the existence of irregularities. This is because previously the budget had gone through an inspection process from the Inspectorate and the Financial Audit Agency (BPK), as well as verification by the Bandung Regency Education Service (Disdik) monitoring and evaluation team, without any significant problems being found.

This condition raises new questions within the Bandung Regency Education Department. Moreover, so far many principals at the elementary school level have complained about the practice of selling school supplies by certain vendors or entrepreneurs. These items were reportedly “forced” to be purchased, even though they were not listed in the BOS School Activity Plan and Budget Application (ARKAS). The alleged involvement of influential parties behind this practice also adds to the concerns of school principals.

Chairman of PGRI Bandung Regency, Yusup Ismail, S.Pd.I., M.Pd., when met by media crew emphasized that his party was taking a firm stance against alleged violations of the law committed by school principals, including those who served as Chairman of PGRI at branch level.

“I always remind school principals to be careful in managing BOS funds. The use of the budget must be in accordance with the allocation and activity plans set out in RAKS. There should be no deviation,” emphasized Yusup.

He added that PGRI Bandung Regency, through its legal sector, only provides assistance and guidance in accordance with the organization’s Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), not to protect violations of the law.

When asked about the issue of “forced purchasing” of goods by vendors who allegedly pressured school principals, Yusup gave a striking response.

“Teachers could become victims if they buy goods that are not listed in ARKAS, especially at irrational prices. That could ensnare them legally,” he said.

This situation is now a serious concern for various parties in the Bandung Regency educational environment. The School Principals hope that the investigations carried out by law enforcement officers can be transparent and objective, as well as uncover the real root of the problem behind the alleged irregularities in BOS Funds. (Stone)