Low gender budget angers official

PALU, Central Sulawesi: A senior government official complained on Tuesday at the low awareness of Palu councillors on gender issues. Andiwan P. Berthalemba, head of the People's Empowerment Body (BPM), explained that his office demanded councillors increase their 2004 budget for gender empowerment, which currently stands at only Rp 10 million (US$ 1,250).

"However, they rejected it on the grounds it was not a development priority in the municipality. What can be done with Rp 10 million in a year?" said Andiwan. -- JP