Gorontalo seeks status as province

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)