JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to transparent and accountable regional financial governance. As a result, the Papua Provincial Government has received another Unqualified Opinion (Wajar Tanpa Pengecualian/WTP) from the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia for its 2024 Regional Government Financial Report (LKPD).
The submission of the Audit Report on the Regional Government Financial Report was conducted during a plenary session of the Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPR Papua), chaired by the Speaker of DPR Papua and attended by 28 of the 45 council members. Sixteen members were absent, and one was permanently unavailable.
Laode Nursaidi, Director General of State Financial Audit VI at the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia, explained that the audit of the Regional Government Financial Report is mandated by law as a form of accountability for the implementation of the regional budget each year.
"Based on the audit results, BPK grants an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) to the Papua Provincial Government for the Regional Government Financial Report in the 2024 fiscal year. This opinion is given based on the report’s compliance with governmental accounting standards, adequacy of information disclosure, adherence to applicable laws and regulations, and the effectiveness of the internal control system," he said.
Despite receiving the Unqualified Opinion, the audit report still recorded 188 findings and 374 recommendations that require follow-up by the local government. BPK RI has given the Papua Provincial Government 60 days to respond to these recommendations. Although these issues are not materially significant, they remain crucial for improving financial management and strengthening internal control systems.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, expressed his appreciation to BPK RI for conducting the audit of the 2024 LKPD in a professional, independent, and objective manner.
"This is not the final goal, but rather an important means for us to introspect and evaluate in managing regional finances. I instruct all OPD units to promptly and thoroughly address all BPK findings and recommendations," he emphasized.
Governor Ramses also stressed that the audit report serves as a critical foundation for improving performance and building good and clean governance in Papua Province. ***