Redundant posts may be abolished

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)