Papua gets Rp 1.7t for special autonomy

JAYAPURA, Papua: The provincial administration said on Thursday it would receive some Rp 1.7 trillion (US$183 million) allocated by the central government for this year's implementation of special autonomy in Papua.

This represents an increase of Rp 200 billion compared to last year.

"Out of the Rp 1.7 trillion, around Rp 350 billion will be used to finance local direct elections, the establishment of the Papuan People's Council (MRP) and the building of a hospital," Papua Governor Jaap Salossa said.

He said that part of the money would also be allocated to Cendrawasih University's Medical School as otherwise the school might have to close.

Under Article 34 (3) of the Papua Special Autonomy Law (No. 21/2001), the province must receive 2 percent of national general allocations from the state budget. --JP