Central govt vows todevelop Highland Papua, says official

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The central government has been consistent in overseeing the acceleration of development in Highland Papua province, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs John Wempi Wetipo said.

He made the statement during the "Assistance Meeting on the Acceleration of Infrastructure Development in Highland Papua in 2024" in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The meeting drew attention to viable strategic steps for pursuing proper management and the use of the province's regional budget by adjusting it to the region's needs and priorities.

Wetipo said that the meeting was expected to result in ideas and solutions to resolve issues hindering development efforts in the province.

"We are convening today with the objective of identifying solutions to issues," he said. "This way, we will be able to carry out what we have planned."

Furthermore, the meeting also touched on the need to expedite the drafting of documents related to the distribution of this year's Special Autonomy (Otsus) Fund and Infrastructure Additional Fund (DTI).

He suggested that the DTI be used to support the development of governmental infrastructure and facilities.

"To that end, it is necessary to take actions aimed at hastening the formulation of documents required for the distribution of the 2024 Otsus Fund and DTI," he said.

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The meeting was held in response to a letter issued by the acting governor of Highland Papua, Velix Wanggai, on June 27.

In the letter, the governor outlined several challenges his government is facing in the management and utilization of the mentioned funds.

Besides Wetipo and Wanggai, the meeting was also attended by officials from the ministries of home affairs, finance, and national development planning, as well as the Highland Papua government.