NTT Provincial Government Forms 5 Special Teams to Accelerate Melki-Johni Priority Programmes
The Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) provincial government has formed five special teams to accelerate the implementation of priority programmes under Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena and Johanis Asadoma (Melki-Johni). Although they have already started working, all teams are still in the process of finalising their legal basis.
Acting Head of the Leadership Administration Bureau at the NTT Regional Secretariat, Lery Lupidara, explained that the five teams consist of the Dasa Cita Team, the Integrated Poverty Data Collection and Alleviation Team, the Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD) Optimisation Team, the People’s Economic Strengthening Team, and the Government Communication Transformation Team.
“All teams have started working and are taking steps according to their respective duties. This grand vision is also outlined in the book Asa dan Rasa, which has been launched at the El Tari Hall,” said Lery Lupidara on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
Lery emphasised that the legality of the teams is being prepared, and the draft is currently with the Legal Bureau for finalisation.
“We are being cautious to ensure that the entire process has a strong legal foundation and is not merely an administrative formality,” he stated.
According to Lery, the preparation of the Decree (SK) has been ongoing since the previous officials, but it has undergone several revisions to align with the latest directives from the regional leadership.
He mentioned that Governor Laka Lena has also instructed all regional apparatus heads to join the five teams, although the issuance of the SK is temporarily delayed.
“This is important to avoid administrative errors and ensure that all decisions truly reflect the leadership’s directives,” Lery added.
Lery also highlighted the importance of the Integrated Poverty Data Collection and Alleviation Team.
“Data is a record of facts that is then processed into information, from which we can formulate directed and integrated planning,” he said.
This team has three main focuses: ensuring the accuracy and validity of poverty data, guiding programme planning to achieve synergy and integration between the central government, province, regencies/cities, and development partners, and encouraging involvement from various parties, including the non-governmental sector.
“The approach is to build social awareness and a sense of togetherness, so that all parties are involved in efforts to alleviate poverty in NTT,” said Lery.
Meanwhile, Head of the NTT Personnel and Civil Service Agency, Kanisius Mau, stated that the formation of the five teams is still being finalised in terms of legality.
“The process is already underway in the Legal Bureau, and some teams have started working,” he explained.
Target PAD of Rp 2.8 Trillion
Chairman of the Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD) Optimisation Team, Benhard Menoh, targets an increase in PAD to Rp 2.8 trillion through the optimisation of regional taxes and levies.
According to him, motor vehicle tax remains the largest contributor to PAD, so optimisation in this sector continues to be promoted, including through the regulation of official vehicles and increased taxpayer compliance.
“We are also promoting the optimisation of regional assets and exploring new levy potentials to increase PAD,” said Benhard.
In addition, the government is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that asset and regional revenue management runs maximally and transparently.
“We will also work with the prosecutor’s office to support asset regulation,” he added.
In the field of public communication, Head of the Archives and Library Department, Pricila Q. Parera, stated that the government is strengthening communication strategies through various digital channels, such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
“This step is expected to enhance information transparency and public involvement in development,” said Pricila.
For information, the team compositions consist of Dr Alfons Teodorus for the Dasa Cita Team, Djose Nai Buti leading the Integrated Poverty Data Collection and Alleviation Team, Benhard Menoh as Head of the Regional Financial Agency chairing the PAD Optimisation Team, Sylvie Nange leading the People’s Economic Strengthening Team, and Pricila Parera chairing the Government Communication Transformation Team.