Revocation of regulation on governor's accountability sought

JAKARTA (JP): Observers on Tuesday demanded the government revoke its regulation on the requirement for governors to present an accountability speech, saying that the law still has many loopholes which could be exploited.

Political observer Andi Mallarangeng, in a discussion here on Tuesday, noted the lack of a clear benchmark as to when councillors should use their right to demand accountability of the governor.

"The governor's accountability speech is not an arena to dismiss the governor. It is an opportunity to improve the responsibility of the city administration," said Andi.

Regulation No.108/2000 allows the city council to demand the governor resign from his post if he is believed to be involved in corruption or any criminal offense.

He warned of possible collusion and corrupt practices in such instances as there is an absence of standard mechanisms to control the situation.

Andi also expressed concern about an article in the regulation which extends presidential authority over the governor.

Article 29 states that the President can dismiss the governor and his deputy should a specific presidential assignment remain unfulfilled.

Separately, deputy speaker of the City Council, Djafar Badjeber of the United Development faction (PPP), who also attended the discussion, concurred and also raised concern over the regulation.

Djafar raised objections to Article 19 in the regulation which stipulates that a rejection of the governor's accountability speech must be approved by at least two-thirds of the total councillors attending a plenary session and must represent all 11 factions.

There are 85 seats in the council.

Djafar criticized this restriction which would make it more difficult to dismiss the governor, arguing that just one faction could veto attempts to eject a governor, despite a majority of councillors supporting it.

He said his faction was preparing a demand that the Supreme Court conduct a judicial review of the regulation.(07)