Bantul OKs money for direct election

YOGYAKARTA: The Bantul regental council finally approved on Saturday a Rp 8.6 billion (US$9555,555) budget proposal to fund the direct election of the Bantul Regent in June this year.

Of the Rp 8.6 billion, Rp 5 billion came from the regental government, while the rest will be covered by the central government.

In order that the money is available as soon as possible, Bantul regental council speaker Joko Purnomo said that the regental council and the Bantul Regental Government would soon send a letter to the central government urging it to expedite the disbursement of funds.

"Bantul regency desperately needs the money to be disbursed soon as the election on June 26 is only two months away," said Joko. -- Antara