Manggarai DPRD Opens Debate on Targeted Changes to 2026 Budget

Labuan Bajo — — Lawmakers in Manggarai regency, Flores, have opened a new stage of debate on proposed changes to the 2026 regional budget, using a plenary session this week to deliver faction statements and press for spending that better matches public needs, according to local media reports.

The Fourth Plenary Session of the Third Sitting Period of the 2026 administrative year was held in the main meeting room of the Manggarai DPRD on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

According to Flores Pikiran Rakyat and OborTimur, the session focused on general views from the assembly’s political factions regarding the draft regional regulation on the amended 2026 budget and the financial memorandum submitted by the Manggarai administration.

In their statements, factions responded to the regency government’s budget note, raised questions and submitted recommendations on the direction of spending, including calls for allocations to be more precisely targeted at community needs.

Focus on the budget amendment

The plenary was convened to discuss the draft regulation on the 2026 amended budget rather than to approve final figures or program lists.

Reports from Flores Pikiran Rakyat and OborTimur did not publish the total value of the proposed amendment or a breakdown by sector and individual programme.

They also did not specify whether particular budget lines have been earmarked for earthquake response, rehabilitation or reconstruction, although both outlets noted that the debate is taking place in the context of ongoing disaster management after a major earthquake in Manggarai and surrounding areas.

Local coverage has highlighted concerns over revenue trends and fiscal capacity, including a decline in locally generated revenue (PAD) alongside an overall increase in planned regional income, with at least one faction urging that the 2026 budget prioritise services for residents.

Session outcomes and next steps

The faction statements delivered on 15 September will feed into the next stage of joint discussions between the DPRD and the regency government on the draft regulation for the 2026 amended budget.

This stage allows lawmakers to reassess spending priorities and recommend changes intended to support development goals and recovery needs, according to Flores Pikiran Rakyat.

The media reports did not detail which factions submitted specific proposals or whether any consensus has formed around targeted amendments, and no timetable has been made public for completing negotiations or passing the final regulation.

Leadership and attendance

The proceedings were chaired by DPRD Speaker Paulus Peos and attended by other members of the council leadership.

Before faction statements were read, the assembly heard a letter from Manggarai Regent Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit assigning Deputy Regent Fabianus Abu to represent him at the plenary session and delegating authority for the agenda.

The delegation was approved by the forum, and Abu represented the regional government in the debate on the budget amendment.

According to local coverage, the session was attended by the deputy regent, the acting regional secretary, DPRD members, representatives of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum and heads of regency government agencies.

Earthquake emergency context

The budget discussions coincide with an extended emergency response to the recent powerful earthquake that affected Manggarai and neighbouring areas.

The Manggarai administration has repeatedly extended its disaster emergency status, including a decision to prolong the period from 15 to 28 September 2026 to address ongoing aftershocks and recovery needs, according to regional news and national media reports.

Other regencies in Flores, such as Manggarai Barat and Nagekeo, have also extended their own emergency measures in response to the earthquake sequence.

Deputy Regent Fabianus Abu and DPRD leaders have publicly argued that changes to the 2026 budget should respond to post-disaster realities and prioritise public services, safety and recovery, framing the amendment as part of a broader effort to maintain essential services while supporting reconstruction.

However, the specific size of any disaster-related allocations in the proposed amendment has not yet been disclosed in the reports reviewed.

Sources

• OborTimur
• Detik Bali/Nusra – Pemkab Manggarai NTT Perpanjang Status Tanggap Darurat hingga 28 September
• FokusNTT – Wabup Manggarai: Pascabencana Masih Terasa, Pelayanan Publik Tak Boleh Berhenti
• SindoNews Daerah – PAD Manggarai Turun, Fraksi Perindo Minta APBD 2026 Prioritaskan Layani Masyarakat
• RRI – Pascagempa, Pemkab Manggarai Barat Perpanjang Tanggap Darurat 14 Hari
• Flores Pikiran Rakyat