Papua Special Autonomy Funds targeted for infrastructure and economic empowerment

The Indonesian government is utilizing Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen economic independence in Papua. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk stated that the central and regional governments are working to improve connectivity, develop local economic potential, and enhance the capacity of Indigenous Papuans (OAP).

To ensure effective management, the Ministry of Home Affairs is coordinating with various agencies to assist local governments in meeting disbursement requirements. In the Highland Papua Province, the regional government expects an additional allocation of approximately Rp465 billion in 2026 through Additional Infrastructure Funds (DTI), supplementing an initial allocation of Rp260 billion. These funds are intended for basic physical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Simultaneously, the Agency for the Acceleration of Papua Special Autonomy Development (BP3OKP) is increasing oversight across eight regencies in Highland Papua. BP3OKP member Gaad P. Tabuni emphasized that the agency, which operates under the Vice President, aims to ensure funds are used strictly for education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment to prevent legal violations and misuse of the budget.