DPR RI's Legislation Body Affirms Possibility of Increasing Aceh's Special Autonomy Funds to 2.5 Percent
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Legislation Body (Baleg) DPR RI, Bob Hasan, has affirmed that Aceh’s special autonomy funds (otsus) could be increased to 2.5 percent and potentially without a time limit in the forthcoming amendment to the Aceh Government Law (UUPA).
“As per our concept of listening to various opinions, and the 2.5 percent figure is a proposal, so we find it very logical,” said Bob Hasan to the media in Banda Aceh on Thursday.
The statement was made by Bob Hasan following a hearing session with Aceh government representatives regarding the amendment to Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Aceh Government (UUPA), held at Anjong Mon Mata Meuligoe, the Aceh Governor’s Office, in Banda Aceh.
This means, he said, that the UUPA amendment is not solely focused on the 2.5 percent otsus fund figure but also examines the specifics related to development patterns, welfare, and other aspects.
Regarding the request for otsus funds without a time limit, he said, it must be reviewed in light of why it was previously limited to 20 years. Whether due to the intent of the Helsinki MoU or possibly legal politics, resulting in the government’s policy only spanning 20 years at that time.
Nevertheless, it remains highly possible for the extension of Aceh’s otsus funds in the future UUPA amendment to no longer be bound by a specific timeframe. However, the law must be thoroughly mature to avoid raising questions.
“This means every law must be interpreted with sustainability, continuity, and outcomes that provide welfare to the people of Aceh,” he emphasised.
“Yes, it will definitely be completed this year. Possibly like that (before President Prabowo Subianto’s Independence Day address, red),” added Bob Hasan.
Currently, the DPR RI’s Baleg is discussing the revision of the UUPA, with one of the main points being the extension of Aceh’s otsus funds, which are set to expire in 2027.
In its document, the Aceh government proposes extending the otsus funds to 2.5 percent of the national General Allocation Fund (DAU), without the previous time limitation.