JABAR EKSPRES – The government of Papua province has announced that as of January 1, 2023, the budget for the student scholarship program has been transferred to the district and city governments throughout Papua.
Aryoko Rumaropen, the Head of the Papua Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM), stated in Jayapura that the information on scholarship recipients in each province, district, and city has been validated and received by the acting governors.
This ensures compliance with the relevant laws and regulations regarding the management of special autonomy finances.
Rumaropen also emphasized that the provincial government has reconfirmed its commitment to the central government regarding the funding of scholarships for Papuan students.
The intention to continue the scholarship program has been communicated to the president and vice president, who chairs the Steering Board of the Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Agency.
However, there has been a change in the financing mechanism since January 1, 2023. The responsibility for managing the scholarship fund now lies with the local governments instead of the provincial government.
Rumaropen mentioned that they have already settled the arrears of Papua’s scholarship program, totaling Rp122 billion (US$8 million), for the fiscal year 2022.
The provincial government will report the settlement of these arrears to the central government no later than July 10, 2023.
Jeri A. Yudianto, the Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Office, explained that payments are now directly made to universities or students.
Previously, the management of scholarships fell under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, following the Special Autonomy Law of 2001.
However, with a regulatory change in 2021, the budget is now distributed directly to smaller local governments.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs John Wetipo expressed satisfaction with the provincial government’s policy in resolving the outstanding scholarship fees.
He mentioned that he, along with Acting Governor of Papua, Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun, had met with 3,900 students to discuss the unpaid fees.
