Govt urged to carry on autonomy plans

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: South Kalimantan Governor Sjachriel Darham has called on the new government to follow up on the ongoing implementation of regional autonomy despite the absence of a specific minister to handle decentralization.

"Despite the absence of a minister on autonomy affairs, we hope the government will not halt the implementation of regional autonomy and may even grant greater authority to the provinces," Antara quoted him as saying here on Friday.

He said regional autonomy affairs could be handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri didn't appoint a minister to solely handle regional autonomy, for reasons that are so far unclear. Previously, regional autonomy affairs were handled by a state minister, which was once dealt with by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Sjachriel also said he was optimistic that the newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno would be able to carry out the autonomy program despite his military background.