Ministry of Home Affairs prepares OAP database to support Papua welfare

OAP data is a crucial component in strengthening the management of Papua’s Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to ensure more targeted and measured disbursement.

Jayapura (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has prepared an Orang Asli Papua (OAP) database to support the formulation of targeted welfare policies for the people of Papua.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk in Jayapura on Monday stated that the OAP data would serve as the foundation for government development policies in Papua, spanning healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“This OAP database will be used for a welfare census of indigenous Papuans and to shape policies in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other areas targeting OAPs,” he said.

“We recently conducted a coordination meeting on OAP data across Papua to strengthen population administration and ensure data availability to support the implementation of the Special Autonomy law,” he added.

He explained that the OAP data collection process began in Papua Province as the parent province and is now being followed by other provinces in Papua, adapting to local developments.

“OAP data is also crucial for strengthening the management of Papua’s Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to ensure more targeted and precise disbursement,” he said.

“This system allows the central government to monitor planning and fund allocation processes more integrally, improving Otsus fund management in Papua,” he added.

He explained that the first tranche of Otsus funds allocated to 46 local governments across six provinces in Papua has reached 100 per cent as of May 2026.

“As of this May, the first quarter tranche has reached 100 per cent, with 46 regions in Papua having received transfers from the Ministry of Finance,” he said.