President supports 10-year ID cards

JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue citizen identity cards (KTP) valid for 10 years, sparing people the task of renewing every three years.

President Abdurrahman Wahid quickly gave his approval on Wednesday when the plan was put to him by the State Minister of State Administrative Reform Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi.

The new system would encourage more people to obtain ID cards, thus improving the government's population census, the President said.

He also suggested the introduction of social security numbers for citizens as well as an overall improvement in ID card administration.

Citing his own experience, Abdurrahman admitted that he was always reluctant to renew his ID each time it expired.

"Although I consider myself a good citizen, I have always been disinclined to extend my ID card. I'm not even sure now whether I still have my KTP or not," said the nearly blind President.

He also disclosed that at one time he possessed no less than five ID cards, including three with different residential addresses in Jakarta.

He did not disclose how he had acquired the documents.

The practice of having more than one ID card is common. It can facilitate various civic affairs such as car registration.

The practice also exposes the weaknesses in the way the IDs are being administered.

"A better KTP system could give us more accurate population data," the President said.

The plan for 10-year ID cards was disclosed to the President during a meeting with participants of a national workshop organized by Freddy's office.

"I fully support Pak Numberi's idea," the President said.

Currently, an ID card must be renewed every three years until one reaches the age of 60, at which time one is entitled to a lifetime ID card. (prb)