Baleg Approves Aceh Government Bill as DPR Initiative

Eight factions in the House of Representatives’ Legislative Body (Baleg) have agreed to advance the Aceh Government Bill to the plenary session for formalisation as a DPR initiative. Baleg held a plenary meeting on Tuesday (26 May) to decide on the bill’s formalisation as an initiative and its subsequent discussion with the government. “We have listened to all the viewpoints from the various factions, and now we seek the meeting’s approval on whether the draft of the Bill to amend Law No. 11 of 2006 on Aceh Governance can proceed further in line with existing regulations,” said Baleg Chairman Bob Hasan during the meeting, which was immediately approved by attendees. Chairman of the Special Committee for the Aceh Government Bill, Iman Sukri, outlined 27 proposed amendments. These include changes to the preamble concerning the philosophical basis for Aceh’s autonomy, which must be grounded in the Helsinki Agreement. Additionally, amendments to Article 8 regarding the delegation of authority to the government, Presidential Regulations, and DPR regulations on consultation procedures and advisory provisions. Further changes to Article 19 and adjustments to Article 254 concerning the authority to build, manage, and coordinate public ports and airports in Aceh. The amendment to Article 183 regarding Aceh’s special autonomy funds, set at 2.5% of the General Allocation Fund (DAU) ceiling, now includes specific allocations: at least 20% for education, 10% for healthcare, and 30% for infrastructure development and maintenance. However, some proposed changes will still be discussed with the government. “The Special Committee believes the Aceh Government Bill can be submitted as a DPR initiative and proceed to the next stages in accordance with existing regulations,” said Iman Sukri.