JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has confirmed that it will review the proposed budget for the Re-election (PSU) submitted by the General Election Commission (KPU), the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), and security forces. Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, emphasized that not all budget proposals will be approved, considering the efficiency policy implemented by the central government.

According to Ramses, the General Election Commission of Papua has requested an additional budget of IDR 168 billion, despite already receiving an allocation of IDR 155 billion for the 2024 Regional Elections. Additionally, the Election Supervisory Agency of Papua has proposed a budget of IDR 151 billion, while security forces, the Papua Regional Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces have submitted a total security budget proposal of IDR 48 billion.

"We will review all these budget proposals. Not all will be approved, especially non-urgent activities," said Ramses in Jayapura.

He added that there is still an unused budget of IDR 47 billion from the previous election cycle at the General Election Commission. Therefore, the government will ensure that the available budget is used efficiently before approving additional funds.

The governor emphasized that this efficiency policy aligns with Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 regarding Budget Efficiency for Regional and State Budgets. One concrete step to be implemented is reducing expenses for non-essential activities.

"I have emphasized that meetings should be held in offices instead of hotels. Official travel can also be minimized by utilizing technology, such as online meetings," he explained.

Despite the budget-tightening measures, Ramses assured that the PSU implementation would proceed smoothly, safely, and peacefully. Currently, the General Election Commission of Papua is still coordinating with the central General Election Commission in Jakarta to determine the exact schedule for the re-election.

"The Papua government remains committed to supporting the re-election, but with a focus on efficiency and transparency," he concluded. ***