Regional autonomy bill will go to House<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The much-awaited bill on regional autonomy,
\npromising to open the door for civilians to become governors or
\nregents without a presidential endorsement, will go before the
\nHouse of Representatives on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Together with the upcoming law on fiscal balance between the
\ncentral and provincial governments, which an official said would
\nhopefully also be submitted Wednesday, the bill is a response to
\ngrievances roused by decades of centralization.<\/p>\n
Rafiudin Hamarun, head of the ministry's center for research
\nand development, said on Monday candidates for posts of regent
\nand mayor would no longer be required to have experience in the
\nadministration and bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
Candidates deemed acceptable are frequently from the military.<\/p>\n
\"Our next governors, regents and mayors must no longer be
\nlimited to those from the bureaucracy and the military because
\nthe new legislation will open wide the opportunities for civilian
\nfigures and party leaders to nominate, or to be nominated,\" he
\ntold a media conference.<\/p>\n
Rafiudin, also a member of the draft bill team, added that the
\nhead of state's approval would no longer needed because the
\nelection of governors, regents and mayors would be fully
\nentrusted to provinces, regencies and mayoralties.<\/p>\n
\"Both provincial and regency councilors will no longer have to
\nconsult the central government on candidates. They have full
\nauthority to decide their candidates and elect them.\"<\/p>\n
The 1974 law on regional autonomy rules that councils must
\nconsult on their candidate choices with the Ministry of Home
\nAffairs, with the result that local residents have often
\nprotested the ultimate decision. Soeharto is said to have greatly
\ninfluenced the selection of governors and regents during his 32-
\nyear presidency.<\/p>\n
Rafiudin hoped legislators could complete its deliberation in
\na few months.<\/p>\n
\"The new bill is expected to be passed into law in April, or
\nMay, and regencies and mayoralties would be given two years to
\nmake preparations in implementing it.\"<\/p>\n
Rafiudin explained the new legislation would give regional
\nadministrations full authority and autonomy in all fields, such
\nas local politics, economy and culture. The central government
\nwould retain authority in foreign politics, defense and security,
\njudicial and monetary matters.<\/p>\n
Local councils will be no longer be part of regency and
\nmayoralty administrations, he said.<\/p>\n
The 1974 law states the head of the local administration,
\ntogether with the local council, comprises the local
\nadministration. Some councilors have claimed the clause is a
\nmuzzle on them being critical of the government.<\/p>\n
Rafiudin said both provincial and regency councils would be
\nseparated from provincial and regency administrations, with their
\nfunctions to be similar to the House of Representatives regarding
\ncontrol of the government and drafting legislation.<\/p>\n
The House and local councils are more empowered by the new law
\non these institutions. Officials or citizens rejecting a summons
\nfrom the House or councils can be sentenced to one year in jail
\nfor contempt.<\/p>\n
Rafiudin said mayoralties would have full authority to make
\ntheir own policies as long as they were in line with the law and
\nthe Constitution. Provinces would have limited autonomy regarding
\ninter-regional affairs such as those on roads, rivers and
\nforests.<\/p>\n
He said provinces, regencies and mayoralties would receive
\npermanent income from fixed sources, mainly taxes, and from those
\nstipulated by the legislation on fiscal balance.<\/p>\n
Several governors have demanded a greater share in the state
\nbudget allocation given their relatively poor populations
\ncompared to their contribution to the national economy through
\nlocal resources. (rms)<\/p>",
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