Oka sends letter of resignation

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka said Saturday he had sent in his letter of resignation to President Soeharto.

The governor said the letter was submitted Jan. 16 through the Ministry of Home Affairs. It would only come into effect when approved by the President after which the local legislator can begin the process of selecting a new governor.

"As required by law, I must apply for resignation seven months before my term expires," Antara quoted Oka as saying.

By law Oka cannot be reelected.

Oka said he hoped his successor would be Balinese and would not be an outsider.

Oka spoke to reporters after presenting a Rp 195.1 billion draft provincial budget for fiscal 1998/1999 to the provincial legislative council.

"Forty-eight percent of the budget is allocated for routine expenditures and the rest for development expenditures," he said. (prb)