Ministers accused of incompetence

JAKARTA: The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) demanded that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono take action against ministers who ignore regional interests.

DPD deputy speaker Laode Ida of Southeast Sulawesi accused the home ministry of ignoring the aspiration of the regions concerning the upcoming direct local elections.

In addition, Minister of Forestry MS Kaban was accused of neglecting some DPD members who wanted to discuss the issue of illegal logging.

"Some DPD members have made appointments with the minister to discuss illegal logging in Kalimantan, but the minister prefers to dine at a luxurious hotel in Jakarta," he said on Wednesday.

Yonathan Nubatonis, fellow DPD member from East Nusa Tenggara, said he would soon make a list of incompetent ministers and report his findings to the President. -- JP