Impact of regional autonomy

Tue, 23 Jan 2001, 00:00 WIB | Source: RAKYAT MERDEKA

From Rakyat Merdeka

Law No. 22/1999 on Regional Autonomy was originally planned to
start in May, 2001, but its enactment has been put forward to
January, 2001, in order to coincide with a discussion of the
state budget by the Ministry of Finance.

The implementation of regional autonomy is full of optimism,
though there might emerge impacts of various interests. The
reality of regional autonomy familiarization will no doubt be
quite different from what has been expected. It is logical if, in
practice, its realization is not always in line with the theory.

We have to admit that the government itself is not yet quite
ready for implementation of autonomy because of the so many
interrelated factors requiring calculation. Please be prepared
if, later, several regions try to compete for gaining the central
government's assets to be managed by local administrations.

So, there seems to be a less favorable image, such as regional
administrations always lacking funds for development of their
regions, whereas factually, the central government has routinely
extended its aid to meet the procurement of public needs and
facilities. There are several regional administrations which, in
fact, have no competent manpower but stubbornly demand self
management of vital affairs which all this time have been handled
by the central government.

SUGENG WIDODO

Jakarta

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