Gorontalo seeks status as province

JAKARTA (JP): Gorontalo has followed the example of Banten, West Java, the Riau archipelago and Bangka-Belitung, South Sumatra, and formally proposed that it be given provincial status.

Gorontalo councilor Roem Kono led a 12-member delegation in a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission II for home and legal affairs and officially submitted the proposal on Thursday.

Roem claimed the delegation represented the political elite, social and religious figures from North Sulawesi, and the proposal was a true reflection of the people's aspirations.

"The idea to develop Gorontalo and Tomini islands to become a province has won the support from traditional and religious figures, the regency and provincial administrations. It will be quite strange if the House does not give its approval," he said.

He added that a declaration was proclaimed in Gorontalo on Tuesday, naming itself as a province.

Kono, who is also chairman of the Central Committee for the Development of Gorontalo Province, said the proposal was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs in November, however, there had been no response from the central government.

He also said an independent team, set up by the Gorontalo regency administration and legislative council, had completed an in-depth study which outlines the potentials and territorial borderlines of the new province.

Legislator Imam Mawardi, who is the deputy chairman of the House commission, pledged to press the government to respond to the proposal.

"The commission will bring this matter to the House's next plenary session and coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs," he said.

Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirja was not available for comment. (rms)