BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Aceh Governor, Muzakir Manaf, has reaffirmed the province's demand for a minimum 2.5 percent allocation of the Special Autonomy Fund (Dana Otsus) as part of the ongoing revision of Law No. 11/2006 on the Governance of Aceh (UUPA).
The proposal was presented during a consultation meeting held at Anjong Mon Mata in Banda Aceh on Thursday (April 16), where regional leaders, lawmakers, and central government representatives gathered to discuss key amendments to Aceh's autonomy framework.
Strong Push for 2.5% Otsus Fund
Read Also: Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf: JKA Health Program Will Not Be Cut Governor Muzakir Manaf, widely known as "Mualem," stressed that 2.5 percent should be considered the minimum allocation for Aceh, adding that the province ideally deserves even higher support.
"This is the minimum figure; if possible, it should be higher," Mualem said during his address, emphasizing the importance of adequate fiscal support for Aceh's development agenda.
CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSION: Governor Muzakir Manaf and Vice Governor Fadhlullah in conversation during the UUPA reform consultation with the DPR RI Legislative Committee in Banda Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
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Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Legislative Committee, Bob Hasan, stated that the draft revision of the UUPA already includes a 2.5 percent allocation for the Special Autonomy Fund. He also highlighted the importance of constructive coordination between regional and central authorities.
"Actually, it is easier for Mualem since his brother (Prabowo) is already the President of the Republic of Indonesia," Bob Hasan remarked.
According to Aceh Government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi, the 2.5 percent figure has entered the final stage of deliberations and is now awaiting a final decision from the central government. Previously, the Ministry of Home Affairs under Tito Karnavian had proposed reducing the allocation to 2 percent.
Read Also: Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf Highlights Leadership Harmony and Public Support UUPA REVISION SESSION: The consultation meeting led by Dr. Bob Hasan, Chairman of the DPR RI Legislative Committee, proceeds smoothly in Banda Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Broader Reform Agenda for Sustainable Development
Nurlis Effendi said the consultation proceeded smoothly and in a constructive atmosphere, attended by 31 members of the DPR RI Legislative Committee led by Dr. Ahmad Doli Kurnia. The meeting also included Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, Vice Governor Fadhlullah (Dek Fadh), and Regional Secretary M. Nasir Syamaun, along with regional leaders, legislators, academics, and civil society representatives.
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Professor Husni Jalil from Syiah Kuala University emphasized the need for comprehensive reform, while Malikussaleh University academic Amrizal J. Prang called for stronger enforcement of qanun regulations, which often conflict with other legal frameworks.
Peace figure and Helsinki Memorandum signatory Munawar Liza also raised maritime boundary issues, stressing alignment with Indonesia's territorial framework.
The forum concluded with unanimous agreement supporting the minimum 2.5 percent Special Autonomy Fund allocation, reflecting a shared commitment to Aceh's long-term development, particularly in addressing flooding across 18 districts and cities. (IDNC)
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