The special autonomy fund is meant to provide for the 355 students' tuition, but until now, the funds have not been disbursed, assistant for economic affairs and people's welfare of Papua government, Muhammad Musa'ad, said in Jayapura on Friday,
"Our target was by March 31 (2022), (the students' tuition) had to be paid to the universities, but the funds we expected have not been transferred by the Finance Ministry," he informed.
According to Musa'ad, the first tranche of the special autonomy fund has not been disbursed because it is not regulated in the Finance Ministerial Regulation (PMK).
"Even though the Home Affairs Ministry has issued recommendations to the Finance Ministry since a few weeks ago (regarding the fund transfer)," he said.
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The Papua government regrets this because even after the establishment of two government regulations derived from the Special Autonomy Fund Law six months ago, the PMK related to the disbursement has not yet been completed, he added.
"The Papua provincial government will address this issue, including by writing to the universities to extend the deadline for paying the students’ tuition fees," he said.
He added that his office will also request the Finance Ministry to immediately disburse the funds. In addition, officials from the Papua provincial government have met with the parents of students and explained the matter.
The 355 Papuan students who have not paid tuition fees yet consist of 204 students in the United States, 68 students in Australia, 7 students in Japan, 17 students in Canada, and 59 students in New Zealand.
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Translator: Qadri P, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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