Governor's request for contributions questioned<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): City councilors expressed concern yesterday over
\na circular signed by Governor Sutiyoso requesting 55 city-owned
\ncompanies to contribute a total of up to Rp 815 million
\n(US$51,000) for the commemoration of Jakarta's 471st anniversary
\nand Indonesia's 53rd Independence Day.<\/p>\n
The contributions, according to the circular signed by the
\ngovernor on June 1, would be used to finance the installation of
\noutdoor banners and ornaments on the city's major thoroughfares,
\nstate buildings and shopping centers.<\/p>\n
Rusjdi Hamka and Sumekar, leaders of the United Development
\nParty and the Armed Forces factions respectively, strongly
\nopposed the appeal. They said it was just a waste of money.<\/p>\n
Rusjdi said that the administration had broken its promise to
\nmark the anniversary modestly.<\/p>\n
\"When we discussed the commemoration plan last week, the
\nadministration officials told us that it would be held in a very
\nmodest way, even Governor Sutiyoso said so, right? So why they
\nask the companies to contribute such a large amount of money?\" he
\nasked.<\/p>\n
He said it would have been better if the funds were used for
\nsocial activities like the distribution of free foodstuffs to the
\nneedy.<\/p>\n
Sumekar questioned the necessity of the outdoor displays amid
\nthe current hardship.<\/p>\n
\"What people need now is enough food, so why the
\nadministration emphasizes displaying such things,\" he reiterated.<\/p>\n
In the circular the governor said that the displays were
\nexpected to brighten up the events. \"The goal can be reached if
\nit is supported by the companies.\"<\/p>\n
Of the Rp 815 million, Rp 406 million is to be spent on
\nfinancing the city birthday's commemoration which falls on June
\n22, while the other Rp 409 million is for Indonesia's
\nIndependence Day party on Aug. 17.<\/p>\n
The 55 companies were asked to give contributions ranging from
\nRp 8 million to Rp 114.5 million. The company asked to contribute
\nthe largest share is water company PDAM Jaya (Rp 114.5 million),
\nfollowed by Bank DKI (Rp 53 million), PD Pembangunan Jaya (Rp
\n51.5 million), PT Bumi Serpong Damai (Rp 50 million) and
\nPembangunan Jaya Ancol (Rp 43 million).<\/p>\n
Sources at PT Bumi Serpong Damai and PD Wisata Niaga Jaya,
\nwhich were asked to contribute Rp 16 million, said they had
\nreceived the circular but had not paid anything.<\/p>\n
Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani stressed
\nthat the budget for the commemoration of the city's anniversary
\nwas only Rp 350 million.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso warned all city administration officials Wednesday
\nnot to collect donations from the public for the celebration of
\nJakarta's 471th anniversary.<\/p>\n
\"I forbid any officials from collecting donations in the name
\nof Jakarta's anniversary,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said this year's celebrations would be held only in a very
\nmodest way due to the lack of funds.<\/p>\n
\"The budget for this year's anniversary is set at only about
\nRp 300 million. It is less than one third of last year's budget,\"
\nsaid Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
He said the budget was unquestionably insufficient but the
\ncity government had nevertheless decided to proceed with the
\nplan.<\/p>\n
\"An anniversary is a tradition. So, I just have to do it. But
\nwe're going to celebrate it modestly,\" he said, adding that all
\nceremonies and parties would be scrapped from the lists.<\/p>\n
The anniversary will still provide free entertainment for the
\npublic, but would focus more on social activities, including
\nblood donating and distribution of free foodstuffs for the needy,
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
\"Hopefully, I and other administration personnel will
\nparticipate in the blood-donating,\" said Sutiyoso. (cst\/ind)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/governors-request-for-contributions-questioned-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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