JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government, together with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, the Papua Special Autonomy Acceleration Agency, SKALA, and other relevant stakeholders, held a Meeting on Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Performance for Special Autonomy in Papua Province on Thursday (August 27) at the Horizon Hotel Kotaraja, Jayapura.

The meeting aimed to strengthen governance, coordination, and synergy in the implementation of Special Autonomy so that the exercise of authority, planning, budgeting, and oversight can be carried out effectively and have a direct impact on the welfare of the people of Papua.

Representing the Governor of Papua and officially opening the event, Assistant Regional Secretary for General Administration of the Papua Regional Secretariat, Suzana D. Wanggai, S.Pd., M.SocSc, emphasized that Special Autonomy is not only about budgetary support, but also about exercising special authority and strengthening institutions.

She said the implementation of Law No. 2 of 2021 and its implementing regulations must be supported by accountable planning, budgeting, reporting, oversight, and evaluation to produce measurable programs and tangible benefits for Indigenous Papuans.

“Every policy must address the needs of the community and ultimately improve people's quality of life,” she stressed.

She called on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in realizing Papua CERAH: smart, prosperous, and harmonious.

Meanwhile, SKALA Senior Manager Asa said SKALA supports efforts to strengthen Special Autonomy governance through improved basic services and poverty alleviation. According to Asa, the forum provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the central and regional governments, build a shared understanding, and follow up on joint commitments to improve Special Autonomy governance in Papua.

Chair of the organizing committee Maurits Valentino Wyla Hege, S.STP., M.Tr.I.P., explained that the event was attended by representatives of the Papua Provincial Government, the Papua Provincial Legislative Council, the Papuan People's Assembly, and relevant regional government agencies, with speakers from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.

The discussions covered Special Autonomy policies, the implementation of special authorities, as well as the management and oversight of Special Autonomy funds.

“This forum is expected to produce solutions and concrete measures to strengthen synergy and the effectiveness of Special Autonomy implementation in Papua,” he said. ***