JAYAPURA - Acting Governor of Papua Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun visited the local General Election Commission (KPU) office, located in Holtekamp, Jayapura City, Thursday (21/9/2023).

Welcomed by the Chairman of the Papua KPU and staff, Governor Rumasukun asked the State Civil Apparatus who participated in the election contestation. Because his party wants the State Civil Apparatus of the Papua Provincial Government to be neutral and not involved in practical politics. "Notification or report from the General Election Commission to the Papua Provincial Government must be fast regarding civil servants who enter politics but have not withdrawn from their status. So immediately convey it to let the Regional Secretary handle the administration," said Ridwan, on the sidelines of his visit.

Ridwan also on that occasion prayed that all members of the Papua General Election Commission would remain in good health so that they could carry out their duties properly.

"That way, the democratic party in Papua will take place safely, peacefully, and smoothly," he hoped.

Chairman of the Papua General Election Commission, Steve Dumbon appreciated the visit. His party said that it had proposed a regional election budget of IDR 242 billion. Only the proposal will still be discussed with the Papua Local Government Budget Team (TPAD). 

"It just so happens that the regional election stage has not yet run, so we still look relaxed. But the Acting Governor of Papua has promised to call TAPD and KPU to discuss the budget," he said after receiving the Governor’s visit.

In addition to the grant of Regional Head Elections, he continued, there are non-stage funds for regional elections that will be given by the Papua Provincial Government. The budget will be used to fix the Papua KPU Office and election socialization.

"The Governor of Papua helped IDR10 billion to cover the shortcomings that we will use for improvements in the office. We will also use it for election socialization due to budget constraints," said Steve. ***