Papua's Regional Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda) is optimistic that it can encourage and meet budget absorption despite the current COVID-19 pandemic.
This was conveyed by the Head of Regional Planning and Development Agency of Papua Province Yohanis Walilo in Jayapura, Tuesday (7/20/2021).
He ensured that Papua Provincial Government budget this year is more focused on National Sports Week. So that it is optimistic in December 2021, budget absorption can reach at least 90-95 percent.
"Most of the budget in fiscal year 2021 is allocated for the implementation of National Sports Week XX 2020 on October 2-15, 2021".
"So, we believe that in the end Papua will be able to meet the budget absorption target," he explained.
He admitted that the outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is the main cause of slow budget absorption in the local government environment.
On the other hand, the delay in reporting the use of special autonomy funds in fiscal year 2020 from the district / city also contributed to the delay in disbursement of funds this year.
Previously, the Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Department (Kominfo) Jeri A. Yudianto said the absorption of budgets in the Papua Provincial Government agencies usually looks maximum at the end of the fiscal year.
This is due to the habit of contractors or third parties in Papua who have a habit of billing at the end of the budget year, even though the projects are completed in advance.
"So usually the progress of absorption is seen at the maximum in December," he said.