The Special Autonomy Fund continues to increase to help development in Papua

President Jokowi set a special autonomy fund (Otsus) for Papua and West Papua in the 2021 Draft State Budget of Rp. 7.8 trillion. This figure is up from the 2020 APBNP which amounted to IDR7.6 trillion. In accordance with the mandate of Law Number 21 of 2001, the allocation of the Special Autonomy Fund for Papua and West Papua is 2 percent of the total ceiling of the General Allocation Fund (DAU) and is valid for 20 years.

The chairman of the Jayapura City DPRD, Abisai Rollo, appreciated the increase in the Special Autonomy fund. This is because the special autonomy fund is very important. The Special Autonomy Fund is directed to finance the development and maintenance of infrastructure, empowerment of the people's economy, poverty alleviation, as well as funding for education, social affairs and health.

"The Special Autonomy Fund has been helping the indigenous people of Papua, helping to develop Papua, especially in terms of the budget it continues to increase," he said, in a Webinar "Jokowi and the Papua Special Autonomy Fund", Tuesday (25/8).

In order to optimize the use of the special autonomy funds, he suggested that a special institution be made to manage it. If not, it is hoped that the Regional Government that receives the funds will actually use it according to its designation so that the benefits are truly felt by the Papuan people.

He hopes that the Special Autonomy Fund can also be directed to traditional villages and indigenous Papuans. Papuans who wish to study, both at home and abroad, can find it easy. If necessary, create a special hospital with special autonomy funds so that residents no longer have to pay fees if they are sick.

Abisai explained that what has been good from the implementation of Otsus must be maintained. "If it is good, then proceed with the system (which is already running). If it's not good enough, a special agency can be formed, ”he said.