Eastern provinces need more funds

Eastern provinces need more funds

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The government campaign to promote development in eastern provinces, notably Irian Jaya, is not supported by adequate funding, a local official complained yesterday.

Development in Irian Jaya has not brought about the desired results because of the lack of funds, chief of the provincial public works office Soepardio said.

The budget the central government has provided for the local public works office this year is smaller than it was last year, he told Antara. He did not mention the figure.

"If the government is consistent about its intention to promote development in eastern provinces, the budget should increase every year, not other way around," he said.

He said Irian Jaya needs substantial amounts of funds to develop its abundant natural resources. (pan)