Thobias Rumbiak S.Sos., M.Si. | Papuan anthropologist
So far, the Special Autonomy (Otsus) fund that has been disbursed by the central government for the Papuan people had benefited religious institutions, in this case, the church. As stated by a religious leader, Pdt. Edison Korwa from Klasis GKI Nimboran, Jayapura Regency, the special autonomy funds provided are very helpful in building churches and for community service.
“From a religious perspective, the special autonomy funds issued by the central government are very helpful for us Papuans, especially for the church. The Special Autonomy Fund is very helpful in the development of work both physically and mentally for God’s people in Papua”.
Therefore, representing the church, Edison expressed his support for the sustainability of the Special Autonomy Fund, which will be extended in 2021. Where we all know that increasing Human Resources (HR) is one of them done through religious education. Edison Korwa also asked the government to manage the Special Autonomy fund professionally, so that it is right on target and its impact can be felt by all Papuan people.
It should be noted that since 2013 the Papua Provincial Government has issued a policy of distributing Otsus funds by 80 percent for city districts and 20 percent for provinces. Of the 20 percent of the special autonomy funds given to the province, 10 percent were given to religious institutions including churches, mosques, and other places of worship for people.
The 10 percent giving is intended to assist in the service of the people and the development of religious institutions.
