Govt to disburse Rp 744b for polls

JAMBI, Jambi: Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'ruf promised on Monday that the central government would soon disburse a total of Rp 744.3 billion (US$783,473) to help local administrations fund direct elections of governors, mayors and regents this year.

Each region will receive, on average, approximately Rp 5 billion, he said when inspecting the preparations for the gubernatorial election in Jambi scheduled for June 6.

Jambi is expected to get Rp 5.4 billion for the election.

Ma'ruf however, could not say when the money would be disbursed to provinces, municipalities and regencies.

Nationwide, there will be 226 local elections this year. The first of which were held earlier this month, including races to elect 11 governors.

In June alone, there will be 186 regional elections including seven gubernatorial polls. --Antara