House Commission II: Regional Autonomy Day Commemoration a Moment to Restructure Regional Independence

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, stated that the commemoration of the 30th Regional Autonomy (Otda) Day should become a moment to reorganise the fostering and coordination between the central government and local governments in order to enhance regional independence.

He said that the finances of 90 per cent of regions depend on the National Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). When financial transfers to the regions are reduced for strategic central programmes, the regions will be thrown into disarray.

“Regions must be able to present independence and other financial alternatives, and therefore the central government must also continue to provide spaces for regions to achieve that independence,” said Rifqinizamy in Jakarta on Monday.

In addition, he stated that all parties must realise that granting regional autonomy is part of the way to maintain the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, which is diverse, plural, and multifaceted.

In that way, according to him, the state continues to provide space for regional uniqueness and political space for people in the regions to feel comfortable within the big house called Indonesia.

However, on the other hand, he assessed that there are still abuses of authority carried out by regional heads, who act as “little kings”. In fact, he said, such attitudes do not have a significant correlation with the progress and welfare of the regional community.

Therefore, he said, the point of balance between the centre and the regions is an important matter. Communication between the regions and the centre, he said, must continue to be built, and the highest government officials must be able to communicate with all parties in every region.

“The commemoration of regional autonomy is not just about granting authority and finances to the regions, but about giving appreciation and sufficient and comfortable space for the regions in the big house called Indonesia,” he said.