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).