Papua Special Autonomy Fund allocation continues

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Oleh Penni Patmawati Rusman, Senin, 2 Desember 2019 | 09:24 WIB - Redaktur: Penni Patmawati Rusman - 812


Jakarta, InfoPublik-Home Ministry’s Information Center head Bahtiar stated the allocation of special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua will continue in 2021.

The allocation will not stop after the evaluation process. However, more specific allocation will be made "in order to achieve an effective budget spending," Bahtiar said, in his written statement, Saturday (23/11/2019).

Currently, the special autonomy fund is being reviewed by Home Ministry and Finance Ministry. Bahtiar did not dare to speculate as to the increase or reduction of the fund for 2021 fiscal year. "The amount of the fund is being calculated by the Finance Ministry and the Directorate General of Regional Finance," he explained.

The most important issue is the distribution of the fund in those two provinces, not the amount.

An extensive review on the use of the fund shall be conducted owing to the occurrence of malnutrition case in Asmat Regency some time ago. “The minister advised the undertaking of such an extensive review owing to occurrence of such situation in spite of abundant budget. Therefore, the substance of the program must be more focused,” he said.

Special autonomy has been in effect since the enactment of Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for the Province of Papua. (Reporter: eko Budiono, Translator: Erik Limantara)