Gutless leaders make mockery of autonomy

Gutless leaders make mockery of autonomy

JAKARTA (JP): In spite of the intensive campaign for more
regional autonomy, many government leaders in the region are
still reluctant to make their own decisions, according to a
senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Such an attitude often results in government policies being
implemented in a rigid fashion, Director General for Regional
Administration and Autonomy Sumitro Maskun said.

"The Central Government still feels that regional leaders
often take their time in carrying out every government policy,"
Sumitro was quoted as saying by the Antara news agency.

He made the remarks on Thursday evening before top
administrators of the Lampung province, including governor
Poedjono Pranyoto, in Bandar Lampung.

Sumitro reminded the audience that every level of leader in
regional administration, from the governor, regents, city mayors
down to district chiefs and village heads has the authority to
make decisions they see as appropriate when carrying out
government policies.

"We need more creative leaders who can adapt central
government policies to their regions, especially now that we are
promoting greater autonomy to the second level administrations,"
he said.

Sumitro realized that many regional officials are reluctant to
take their own initiatives for fear of making the wrong
decisions. "Everything has a risk. What we need to do is to
minimize the risk as much as possible."

He appealed to Governor Poedjono, who is now in the process of
selecting new leaders for the 10 second level administrations in
Lampung, to choose persons who truly have the capability to lead
the people in their designated regions. (emb)