Autonomy trial-run launched

Autonomy trial-run launched

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto launched yesterday a trial-
run of greater regional autonomy which gives 26 selected
regencies a greater say in the running of their affairs.

Under the program, most of the matters previously handled by
the central government will be handed over to authorities in the
26 regencies.

There are 241 regencies and 56 municipalities in Indonesia.
These fall below the 27 provinces, which are the first level of
regional government.

Yesterday's ceremony was attended by governors, regents and
heads of the regency legislative councils of the 26 regencies
chosen.

The areas of responsibility handed over to the 26 regencies
include health, fisheries, education and culture, public works,
animal husbandry, home industries, public housing, land transport
and tourism.

The selected regencies, which are located on all major
Indonesian islands and vital provinces, include Aileu in East
Timor and Sorong in Irian Jaya.

Soeharto said at the ceremony, which took place at the State
Palace, that the transfer of powers to the regencies also
included personnel, equipment and budget planning.

"From now on," he said, "the regencies can concentrate their
efforts on and pay greater attention to the planning and
management of the administration."

According to the President, the most important facet of the
regional autonomy program is efficiency and harmony between the
administration and socio-economic and cultural conditions.

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie SM said that the powers
residing in non-departmental agencies would also be handed over
to the regencies eventually.

"But before we move towards that measure we should first
conduct a serious study on the real needs of the regencies,"
Yogie added.

The minister said that the provinces were still required to
formulate strategic policies, which were to be implemented by the
regencies.

Yogie said the trial-run would be evaluated after two years.
After that the central government could transfer greater autonomy
to other regencies, he said. (tis).