New installed population chief sets database target

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed chief of the recently formed National Population Agency, Rozy Munir, said on Monday he wanted to set up a comprehensive system and database of the country's population that could also ease administrative procedures when applying for various licenses and identification cards.

"My target is to have an exhaustive population database that can later facilitate us in creating personal identification cards, driver's licenses and passports," Rozy said.

The former state minister for the development of state-owned enterprises and investments was installed on Monday as head of the new agency.

"But this is a long-term project, for now this new board will first function as a body to formulate policies in population development," Rozy said, deflating any lofty perceptions of his office.

Based on Presidential Decree No. 43/2001, the agency is directly responsible to the President but its daily work is coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy.

The decree also stipulates that among the agency's tasks are to formulate and determine policies regarding population, study the dynamics of population growth and develop an information system and administration on population.

The agency's operations would be financed from funds allocated from the ministry's budget.

The agency will work from the space of the former ministry of transmigration office in Kalibata, South Jakarta.

Initially the agency will function as a steering body for local public records offices' across the country.

Rozy was installed on Monday by Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Soedirdja.

Surjadi also installed Prapto Hadi as the agency's first secretary, Rohadi Haryanto as deputy of population planning, Harto Nurdin as deputy of population dynamics and Dahlan Kadarisman as deputy for population information and administration.

In his address, Surjadi said that though the country is being hit by political turmoil the government remains obliged to serve non-political fields, including creating better public services.

"The establishment of this body is part of our hope to create a better administration to serve the public's needs," he said.

Also attending the ceremony was Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al-Hilal Hamdi. (emf)