Sukarjito, Jakarta – Representatives from East Kalimantan visited the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday to protest a government decision to cut regional revenue-sharing funds, arguing the policy threatens fiscal stability in one of the nation's most resource-rich provinces.

The proposed cuts in natural-resource income have forced the province to consider what residents call "extreme efficiency measures."

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Vendy Meru urged top lawmakers to push the finance ministry to reverse the cuts.

"We, the people of East Kalimantan, ask the DPR to call on the finance minister to immediately cancel the reduction of our revenue-sharing funds," Vendy told lawmakers.

He noted that East Kalimantan is among Indonesia's largest contributors to the national economy, generating revenues from coal, oil, gas, and other commodities. He said such contributions should be reflected fairly in fiscal allocations.

Bambang Patijaya, Chair of Commission XII, said the DPR recognizes the province's concerns.

"We have received the aspirations of the people of East Kalimantan regarding the refusal of DBH cuts," Bambang said. "They are concerned about excessive reductions, and we understand the issue."

He stressed that revenue-sharing funds are the rightful entitlement of producing regions, not a discretionary allocation from the central government, and therefore any cuts must be carefully considered.

Commission XI Chair Misbakhun said the concerns would be taken seriously, adding that the DPR has scheduled working visits to three major resource-producing regions, including East Kalimantan, to gather further input.

"Please do not worry. This matter is a serious concern for us," he said, promising to relay the issue directly to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/east-kalimantan-residents-protest-revenuesharing-cut