Regional elections on the way in 2005

JAKARTA: A total of 225 regional government heads, including 11 governors, will be directly elected by the end of 2005.

Minister of Home Affairs M. Ma'aruf said on Tuesday that the government was finalizing the regulations to administer the elections, while local governments are increasing dissemination of information on the new format of regional elections.

"Dissemination of information is necessary to ensure that each election takes place peacefully as happened in the first direct presidential election," Ma'ruf said after attending a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the country's 33 governors.

Meanwhile, tension has loomed in Kutai Kartanegara regency, East Kalimantan recently after the government replaced Regent Syaukani, whose term ended earlier this month, with an acting regent who will prepare for the direct election in July. --JP