Minister of Finance Suggests the Papua Special Autonomy Fund to be Extended Up to 20 Years

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani suggested that the distribution of the special autonomy funds (autonomy) for Papua and West Papua be extended for the next 20 years. He estimates that the special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua can reach IDR 234 trillion over the next 20 years.

"Our estimates are that in the next 20 years, if the state revenue and expenditure budget (APBN) and the general allocation fund (DAU) will develop according to the long-term trend, the autonomy fund for the next 20 years will reach more than IDR 234 trillion," said Ani, his nickname Joint Working Meeting of Committee I DPD RI.

The proposed special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua increased from 2 percent to 2.25 percent of the national DAU. The estimate of the special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua has assumed that the DAU will increase by 3 percent every year.

"Of course, assuming the DAU increases by 3 percent based on domestic tax revenues. Our job is to keep state revenues running healthy, "explained Ani.

The estimate of the special autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua has increased when compared to the realization in the last 20 years, namely 2002-2021. He explained that the special autonomy fund and additional infrastructure funds (DTI) for Papua and West Papua during that period reached Rp. 138.65 trillion.

This amount does not include the budget for transfers to regions and village funds (TKDD), which amounted to Rp. 702.3 trillion during 2005-2021. Then, the expenditure budget originating from ministries / agencies (k / l) is IDR 251.29 trillion during 2005-2021.

He added that special autonomy funds are needed to pursue equality in the two regions. This is particularly so in the sectors of education, health, and community welfare in Papua and West Papua.

"We want to provide opportunities for Papua to pursue, it is necessary to continue to strive for equity and improvement of this welfare and inequality," said Ani.

Source: https://www.popularitas.com/berita/menkeu-usulkan-dana-otsus-papua-developed-to-20-year/