Filep Wamafma: The special autonomy fund can finance regional priority programs

DPD RI member Filep Wamafma asked the Teluk Wondama Regency Government to use the special autonomy block grant funds to finance priority regional programs that have not been accommodated in the APBD, especially the provision of infrastructure and facilities and infrastructure in the fields of education and health.

"If we hope from the APBD, we certainly can't. For things that cannot be budgeted for from the APBD, we encourage them to be financed from block grants through the special special autonomy agency in Jakarta (the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development for Papua)," said Filep in Isei, Wondama Bay, Thursday.

The DPD RI member from the Electoral District of West Papua emphasized that the scheme for the use of special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 2 2021 concerning the Second Amendment to Law Number 21 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua is divided into two parts, namely the special autonomy grants. to finance special matters, such as education, health, and community economic empowerment.

The special autonomy block grant, said Filep, is to finance general matters, such as infrastructure development, maintenance, and implementation of public services. In addition, to improve the welfare of indigenous Papuans (OAP), strengthening traditional institutions, and other matters based on regional needs and priorities.

According to Filep, it is different from the specific grant funds which are directly transferred to each local government, both provincial and district/city, while the special autonomy block grant funds are still "withheld" by the central government.

The funds will only be disbursed, he said, after the regional government has proposed priority programs or activities.

"The center is waiting for the regional government. The regional government proposes it, then they allocate it in a block grant. If they don't propose it, it's not possible to provide the funds. So, districts/cities propose programs in the form of physical, infrastructure, including education and health. It can also be for public housing," said Filep.

Filep promised to oversee the proposal from the Teluk Wondama Regency Government, then his party would follow it up by coordinating with the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development for Papua, led by Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

"The point is that what cannot be done with the APBD, can be proposed through the special autonomy block grant. For the RAB, it is addressed to the Head of the Coordinator for the Acceleration of Development in Papua, Mr. Vice President, a copy to me. If there is time, it can be discussed directly with the relevant parties," said the Deputy Chair of the Committee. I DPD RI.

On that occasion, the Regent of Teluk Wondama Hendrik Mambor immediately instructed all OPD leaders to immediately prepare proposed programs/activities that would allow using the special autonomy block grant funds.

"This is very good information. So, I ask all OPD leaders to immediately prepare proposals for programs and activities complete with technical data and supporting data. It must be with complete and accurate data so that it can be followed up," said Mambor.

SOURCE : https://papuabarat.antaranews.com/berita/22117/filep-wamafma-dana-otsus-bisa-hargai-program-prioritas-region