Legislators protest governor's project

SEMARANG: The United Development Party faction in Central Java's legislature have strongly protested Governor Soewardi's plan to build a family welfare monument worth Rp 3.5 billion (US$1.45 million)

The monument is to be located at the birthplace of the family welfare program in Ungaran, 10 kilometers south of here.

Faction chairman Thoyfoer said there were far more pressing priorities like the development of high-quality human resources to meet global competition.

"We do not see the need for such a flashy monument, " Thoyfoer said.

Thoyfoer told The Jakarta Post that many schools in Central Java, from elementary to secondary level, required repairs and upgrading as do many orphanages.

He said the province's irrigation facilities, which are also damaged, required repairs to maintain agricultural activities.

Central Java's deputy governor Hartono defended the decision to establish the monument as a proper tribute to hail the province's efforts in family welfare and to honor the town of Ungaran as the movement's birthplace. (har/01)