Wed, 30 Aug 1995

Redundant posts may be abolished

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo has suggested that the government abolish many administrative posts pertaining to industry at both the provincial and regency levels which, he said, are redundant.

Speaking at a workshop for officials of the Ministry of Industry, Tunky said Monday that currently there is a duplication of official posts, both at the provincial and regency levels, concerned with industrial matters. Posts under his ministry are in many cases matched by a similar post under a provincial governor's office or that of a regent, he said.

The minister suggested that the industry offices under the provincial and regency administrations be abolished in order to reduce costs.

"If there is only one post and the system is right, the currently much-complained-about high-cost economy can be avoided," Tunky said, as quoted by Antara.

Tunky's suggestion on the abolition of industry offices of provincial and regency administrations contradicts the central government's plans to give greater autonomy to local administrations.

Last April, the government launched a pilot project on regional autonomy in 26 regencies. Under the program, each agency representing a government ministry in the regency is put directly under the command of the regent. These agencies no longer take their cues from the central government.

Twenty-four ministries have agencies at the provincial and regency levels. The ministry of industry is one of those which accepted the autonomy scheme.

Minister Tunky also called on officials yesterday to consistently uphold the government's policies on industrial matters.

"Such consistency is very important, because it can influence the pace of business growth... Local officials, please don't be inconsistent in executing government policies, because inconsistency can cause losses to businesses," Tunky said. (rid)