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