Govt names two new officials

Govt names two new officials

JAKARTA (JP): Despite its pledge to improve efficiency, the
government has expanded its bureaucratic network by naming two
new officials who fall directly under the President.

Asep Saefuddin has been appointed the initial chief of the
National Information Institute, an agency that replaces the now
dissolved ministry of information.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security
Affairs Agum Gumelar installed Asep on Friday.

In its statement issued following the swearing-in ceremony,
the institute contended that it would not play the same role as
the now defunct ministry of information, which was known as the
government's mouthpiece.

"The agency will focus on developing a system of information
inside the government and providing the government with opinion
based on people's feedback. The agency will not be used to
influence public opinion," the statement said.

Asep was the ministry of information's inspector general in
1999, when President Abdurrahman Wahid dissolved the ministry.

The President then established the National Information and
Communication Board (BKNN) to take over some of the ministry's
role, but the board was also dissolved late last year.

Abdurrahman had also issued a decree that appointed former
state minister of investment Rozy Munir as the maiden chief of
the National Population Board.

First secretary of the board Prapto Hadi told the media that
Rozy would be installed by Minister of Home Affairs and Regional
Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja on Monday.

Presidential Decree No. 42/2001 also stipulates that the board
is responsible for the drafting of broad programs, formulating
and deciding policies, planning guidelines and information
systems related to population administration.

Prapto said that in the long run, the board would play a
pivotal role, not only in improving people's quality of life, but
also in preventing clashes between people at the grassroots.
(dja)