President supports 10-year ID cards<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue citizen identity
\ncards (KTP) valid for 10 years, sparing people the task of
\nrenewing every three years.<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman Wahid quickly gave his approval on
\nWednesday when the plan was put to him by the State Minister of
\nState Administrative Reform Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi.<\/p>\n
The new system would encourage more people to obtain ID cards,
\nthus improving the government's population census, the President
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He also suggested the introduction of social security numbers
\nfor citizens as well as an overall improvement in ID card
\nadministration.<\/p>\n
Citing his own experience, Abdurrahman admitted that he was
\nalways reluctant to renew his ID each time it expired.<\/p>\n
\"Although I consider myself a good citizen, I have always been
\ndisinclined to extend my ID card. I'm not even sure now whether I
\nstill have my KTP or not,\" said the nearly blind President.<\/p>\n
He also disclosed that at one time he possessed no less than
\nfive ID cards, including three with different residential
\naddresses in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
He did not disclose how he had acquired the documents.<\/p>\n
The practice of having more than one ID card is common. It can
\nfacilitate various civic affairs such as car registration.<\/p>\n
The practice also exposes the weaknesses in the way the IDs
\nare being administered.<\/p>\n
\"A better KTP system could give us more accurate population
\ndata,\" the President said.<\/p>\n
The plan for 10-year ID cards was disclosed to the President
\nduring a meeting with participants of a national workshop
\norganized by Freddy's office.<\/p>\n
\"I fully support Pak Numberi's idea,\" the President said.<\/p>\n
Currently, an ID card must be renewed every three years until
\none reaches the age of 60, at which time one is entitled to a
\nlifetime ID card. (prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/president-supports-10-year-id-cards-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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