Edy to seek contributions clarification

JAKARTA (JP): City Council speaker Edy Waluyo said yesterday he would ask the municipality to clarify a circular requesting 55 city-owned firms to contribute up to Rp 815 million (US$56,500) for the commemoration of Jakarta's 471st anniversary and Indonesia's 53rd Independence Day.

Edy said that all the expenditure for the city's anniversary commemoration, which falls on June 22, should come from a fund of Rp 350 million set aside from the city budget.

"We should commemorate this year's anniversary in a very modest way due to the economic crisis. That's why I will ask the administration about the existence of the circular as it will only burden the companies," he said.

Governor Sutiyoso signed the circular on June 1 even though he reiterated that the commemoration would be held modestly. On Wednesday he even warned all city administration officials not to collect donations from the public for the celebration.

Based on the circular, the contributions would be used to finance the installation of outdoor banners and ornaments on the city's major thoroughfares, state buildings and shopping centers.

Of the Rp 815 million, Rp 406 million is to be spent on financing the commemoration of the city's birthday, while the other Rp 409 million is for Indonesia's Independence Day party on Aug. 17.

The company asked to contribute the largest share is water firm PDAM Jaya (Rp 114.5 million), followed by Bank DKI (Rp 53 million), PD Pembangunan Jaya (Rp 51.5 million), PT Bumi Serpong Damai (Rp 50 million) and Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (Rp 43 million).

Edy also questioned why the administration wanted to set aside such a large amount of money just for outdoor displays. "I agree that such displays are needed to brighten up the events," he said, "but should they cost that much?" (ind)