Indonesian House of Representatives: Governance Capacity as a Prerequisite for Successful Special Autonomy in Papua

Timika (ANTARA) - Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Komarudin Watubun, stated that optimal governance capacity by local governments is one of the prerequisites for the success in managing Papua’s Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds.

Komarudin Watubun in Timika on Monday explained that good management capacity starts from thorough and accurate data-based planning.

“Compiling a thorough plan based on accurate data, clear priorities, discipline in implementation, and evaluation,” said Komarudin, during a dialogue with governors, regents, and mayors across Papua at the strategic coordination forum for accelerating development in Papua.

In addition to optimal governance capacity, integrity in managing Papua’s Otsus funds is also crucial for the success of fund management across Papua.

“Managing Otsus funds as a mandate from the people that must be carried out with full responsibility and honesty. Zero deviations, eliminating practices of corruption, mark-ups, fictitious projects, and wastefulness. Ceremonial activities using Otsus funds must be reduced,” he stated.

He mentioned that another factor determining the success of managing Papua’s Otsus funds is public control. Oversight by the public is very important to ensure that the distribution of Otsus funds is on target for the people of Papua, especially the Indigenous Papuans (OAP).

“Ensuring every rupiah is allocated meaningfully for the prosperity and welfare of the people of Papua,” he said.

He emphasised that through this strategic coordination forum for accelerating Papua’s development, attended by all governors, regents, mayors, the Papua Provincial Legislative Council, the Majelis Rakyat Papua, district legislative councils, and all stakeholders, wise solutions can be produced in managing Papua’s Otsus funds.

“The measure of Otsus success is not us sitting here with ties or in Jakarta. The measure of Otsus success is the people of Papua acknowledging that Otsus is beneficial and successful,” he asserted.

He called on all regional leaders and stakeholders in Papua to build strong synergy between local and central governments so that the implementation of Otsus in Papua can run optimally and provide real impacts for all Papuan people.

“Such meetings are very important because Otsus was born from important meetings like this,” he said.