Impact of regional autonomy

Impact of regional autonomy

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