JAKARTA. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Thursday that the government had provided Rp 17 trillion per annum in subsidies to Indonesia’s eastern-most province.

“The collection of taxes, royalties and other resources in Papua has reached only Rp 18 billion, while funds needed for development there have reached Rp 35 trillion. Therefore, the government has provided Rp 17 trillion in subsidies,” Kalla said after attending a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.

At the ceremony Kalla, in his capacity as PMI chairman, was accompanied by Trade Minister Rahmat Gobel, while the TNI was represented by TNI chief Gen. Moeldoko, Antara news agency reported.

Kalla said the government could improve productivity and curb consumption levels in Papua. Financial management and the fight against corruption would also be intensified to prevent malfeasance, he said.

With regard to the recent bloody shooting in Papua, Kalla said that security personnel, with the help of the TNI, would work to resolve the case.

Editor: Hendra Gunawan