DPD Committee III Chairman Filep Wamafma said in Manokwari, West Papua, on Wednesday that the council holds constitutional authority to oversee how a portion of the state budget is allocated and used as special autonomy funds for Papua.
On that note, he stressed that all district, municipal, and provincial governments in the six provinces forming the region must assure the public of transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.
The DPD, he continued, has therefore decided to launch a comprehensive audit on Papuan governments in response to mounting public pressure for greater clarity in fund management.
“If citizens deem the special autonomy policy failed, then it is attributed to the substandard management of funds by regional administrations,” Wamafma affirmed.
The senator further said his side also plans to strengthen coordination with the steering and executive committees for the acceleration of special autonomy development in Papua—two non-structural bodies established by the president to enhance oversight of development efforts in the region.
“In the upcoming April session, the DPD will summon all relevant parties, including regional governments and the two Papuan special autonomy committees, allowing them to outline progress in the use of special autonomy funds and the results,” he remarked.
Additionally, Wamafma urged provincial lawmakers elected under the special autonomy framework to intensify efforts in ensuring transparency in the use of funds within their respective regions.
He went on to caution that the state could transfer oversight authority to the national parliament should they fail to demonstrate reliability in carrying out this duty.
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Translator: Fransiskus SW, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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