Governor's request for contributions questioned

JAKARTA (JP): City councilors expressed concern yesterday over a circular signed by Governor Sutiyoso requesting 55 city-owned companies to contribute a total of up to Rp 815 million (US$51,000) for the commemoration of Jakarta's 471st anniversary and Indonesia's 53rd Independence Day.

The contributions, according to the circular signed by the governor on June 1, would be used to finance the installation of outdoor banners and ornaments on the city's major thoroughfares, state buildings and shopping centers.

Rusjdi Hamka and Sumekar, leaders of the United Development Party and the Armed Forces factions respectively, strongly opposed the appeal. They said it was just a waste of money.

Rusjdi said that the administration had broken its promise to mark the anniversary modestly.

"When we discussed the commemoration plan last week, the administration officials told us that it would be held in a very modest way, even Governor Sutiyoso said so, right? So why they ask the companies to contribute such a large amount of money?" he asked.

He said it would have been better if the funds were used for social activities like the distribution of free foodstuffs to the needy.

Sumekar questioned the necessity of the outdoor displays amid the current hardship.

"What people need now is enough food, so why the administration emphasizes displaying such things," he reiterated.

In the circular the governor said that the displays were expected to brighten up the events. "The goal can be reached if it is supported by the companies."

Of the Rp 815 million, Rp 406 million is to be spent on financing the city birthday's commemoration which falls on June 22, while the other Rp 409 million is for Indonesia's Independence Day party on Aug. 17.

The 55 companies were asked to give contributions ranging from Rp 8 million to Rp 114.5 million. The company asked to contribute the largest share is water company 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).

Sources at PT Bumi Serpong Damai and PD Wisata Niaga Jaya, which were asked to contribute Rp 16 million, said they had received the circular but had not paid anything.

Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani stressed that the budget for the commemoration of the city's anniversary was only Rp 350 million.

Sutiyoso warned all city administration officials Wednesday not to collect donations from the public for the celebration of Jakarta's 471th anniversary.

"I forbid any officials from collecting donations in the name of Jakarta's anniversary," he said.

He said this year's celebrations would be held only in a very modest way due to the lack of funds.

"The budget for this year's anniversary is set at only about Rp 300 million. It is less than one third of last year's budget," said Sutiyoso.

He said the budget was unquestionably insufficient but the city government had nevertheless decided to proceed with the plan.

"An anniversary is a tradition. So, I just have to do it. But we're going to celebrate it modestly," he said, adding that all ceremonies and parties would be scrapped from the lists.

The anniversary will still provide free entertainment for the public, but would focus more on social activities, including blood donating and distribution of free foodstuffs for the needy, he said.

"Hopefully, I and other administration personnel will participate in the blood-donating," said Sutiyoso. (cst/ind)