MPR to support Otsus Papua and West Papua is extended

The Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Bambang Soesatyo supported the provision of special autonomy funds (Otsus) for Papua and West Papua to be extended based on the political decisions of the Government and the Indonesian Parliament, which will end in 2021.

"I urge that the special autonomy fund (autonomy) for Papua and West Papua, which ends in 2021, can be extended based on the political decision of the Central Government and the Indonesian Parliament," said Bamsoet.

He explained that the use of the special autonomy fund must prioritize effectiveness for improving the welfare, education and health of the people of Papua and West Papua. According to him, when totaled since it was first rolled out in 2002, the Papua and West Papua Special Autonomy funds have so far reached around Rp. 126.99 trillion.

"After 18 years of Papua's special autonomy fund and 13 years of West Papua's special autonomy fund, its utilization must be maximized," he said.

The Golkar Party politician explained that every year, the total autonomy funds for Papua and West Papua were always increased, from around Rp.6.83 trillion in 2014 to Rp.8.37 trillion in 2020 with a distribution of Rp.5.86 trillion for Papua and Rp2.51 trillion for West Papua. .

Therefore, according to him, evaluation is important, not to find mistakes but to find benefits so that the special autonomy funds can be effectively used for the welfare of the community. In addition, he stressed the importance of peace in the land of Papua to be maintained so that it should not be disturbed, let alone be defeated by the actions of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), which have often carried out disturbing actions.

"Apart from the legal approach to criminals, what is no less important to do immediately is the national approach through increasing the intensity of the dialogue," he said. According to him, by involving various parties from the central, regional, religious and traditional leaders, as well as community leaders, bridges will be built to build mutual understanding.