Banten gets funds from West Java

SERANG, Banten: The West Java provincial council has approved the allocation of some Rp 6 billion (US$631,578) to be used as an "operational fund" for the newly established Banten provincial administration.

West Java council speaker Eka Santosa said that the money would likely be disbursed in the next three days.

"One billion is for officials' needs like cars, and the rest for operational costs," he said after inaugurating Banten's Chamber of Commerce on Saturday.

Eka admitted that the council had debated on giving the money only after the establishment of a provincial council in Banten.

"But we were afraid many would think that West Java was delaying its contribution, so we agreed to give the money now," Eka said as quoted by Antara. (hdn)