Deputy Interior Minister optimistic that distribution of Papua special autonomy funds will be completed this week
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Interior Minister Ribka Haluk is optimistic that the first phase distribution of special autonomy funds or otsus in the Papua region will be completed this week.
Ribka explained that based on an evaluation of the six provinces in Papua, most areas have received the otsus funds distribution.
“Out of 46 regions in Papua, 95 percent has been realised, meaning the funds are already in the RKUD (Regional General Cash Account),” said Ribka in her statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, there are still five regions where the distribution has not been completed, namely the Highland Papua Province, Nduga Regency, Tambrauw Regency, Manokwari Regency, and Teluk Bintuni Regency.
Ribka explained that the obstacles encountered are administrative and technical in nature and do not significantly hinder the distribution process.
She added that the central government, along with an acceleration team involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), has identified issues in each region.
The Deputy Interior Minister is confident that all these obstacles can be resolved soon. “I am very confident that within this week, these five regions will be settled,” she stated.
Ribka added that improvements in the governance of otsus funds have shown positive developments in recent years.
She hopes that coordination between the central and local governments can continue to be enhanced so that the first phase distribution of 30 percent can be carried out on time.
Ribka also reminded of the importance of supervision and sustainable management, especially in facing the next phase distribution planned for June or July, as well as the third phase in November.
“Hopefully, what we will address going forward is how the quality of the reports must be better, measurable, and on target,” said Ribka.
In addition, she emphasised that otsus funds play a strategic role in supporting various sectors, such as education, health, community economy, and infrastructure.
Therefore, their utilisation must be on target and provide real impact for the community, especially the indigenous Papuans (OAP).
On the other hand, Ribka affirmed the importance of transparency in managing these funds. Local governments are urged to convey information on fund usage openly to the public.
“Then, yes, the utilisation must at least be published to the public so that the community knows where the otsus funds are going? This is mandatory; public information transparency is very important,” she stated.