Papua officials urge faster state budget absorption amid funding pressures

The Papua Provincial Government is urging the acceleration of state budget (APBN) absorption, specifically targeting capital expenditures and goods and services spending. While employee spending has reached an average realization of approximately 65 percent across most regencies and provinces, capital and contractual spending remain delayed. Yohanes Walilo, Assistant I for Government of the Papua Provincial Secretariat, noted that while funds are available, disbursement is tied to field progress, requiring third parties and relevant agencies to expedite work.

Simultaneously, budget efficiency pressures and reduced funding over the last two years have impacted public works departments in the Papua and Maluku regions. The Balai Jasa Konstruksi Wilayah VII Jayapura is conducting inspections of seven Mobile Training Units (MTU) located across Papua, West Papua, Maluku, and North Maluku. These inspections aim to prevent asset deterioration due to inactivity. Officials stated that maintenance, such as basic servicing and oil changes, must continue even when programs are limited to ensure the equipment is ready for use once funding becomes available.