JAYAPURA - Acting Governor of Papua Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun reminded seven district governments to immediately sign the Regional Grant Agreement (NPHD) to support the implementation of the 2024 simultaneous elections.

"Until now, only the Jayapura City Government and Keerom Regency Government have Regional Grant Agreement but seven district governments have not. I hope this week it will be done (NPHD signing)."

"Then after it was signed, two weeks later the funds had to be disbursed. If there is no sanction from the Ministry of Home Affairs," explained Acting Governor Rumasukun, after a regional coordination meeting in the framework of signing the NPHD, Integrity Pacta, and mutual agreement to succeed the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, Thursday (11/2/2023), in Jayapura City.

He understands that until now there has not been a KPU Regulation regarding the stages of holding the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. Even so, the implementation of simultaneous elections, if calculated from the time of voting, should begin in early December 2023.

"So, optimal support from all relevant parties is needed. Prioritizing and realizing the budget needed by organizers, supervisors and security parties in their respective regions," he explained.

In the same place, Chairman of Papua KPU, Steve Dumbon appreciated Acting Governor Rumasukun for responding quickly to budgeting support for the 2024 simultaneous regional elections in Papua amounting to IDR 155 billion.

For the initial stage, the payment is 40 percent and the rest will be completed in 2024. 

"This disbursement must be in accordance with the rules, so we hope that the district/city government can also comply with applicable regulations," he said.

It is known that the districts that have not signed the NPHD to support the implementation of simultaneous elections are the Regency Governments of Jayapura, Sarmi, Biak, Waropen, Mamberamo Raya, Kepulauan Yapen and Supiori. ***