Local govt weak: Researcher

Local govt weak: Researcher

YOGYAKARTA: A group of researchers revealed on Monday that the
district administrations in the country remained incapable of
providing better services to the public.

"District administrations lack good human resources and
equipment, while at the same time they focus on procedures and
structure without having adequate commitment, data or
leadership," research coordinator Cornelis Lay said.

"(As a result) district administrations have yet to produce
standardized services."

The research on decentralization and democracy was conducted
by lecturers from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of
Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, in 14 districts in
Yogyakarta between 1999 and 2002.

Cornelis said that the extensive bureaucracy did not guarantee
that the administration could deliver better services to the
public.

He suggested that government agencies pay more attention to
public demands, instead of pursuing the provision of equipment
and facilities.

"Public administrations should work to respond to and meet the
public's needs," he said. -- Antara