S. Sulawesi open to new provinces

S. Sulawesi open to new provinces

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Governor HZB Palaguna here on
Wednesday asserted that he would not oppose parties who wished to
propose the establishment of a separate province within South
Sulawesi.

"The provincial administration will not oppose those who have
such intentions," he told The Jakarta Post after attending the
opening of a Rector's Forum meeting here.

Nevertheless, he warned that such aspirations should be truly
based on the wishes of the people and not merely exploited as a
tool for some individuals and groups to seize greater power in
the region.

Various local groups and community leaders have separately
suggested the establishment of four new provinces -- West
Sulawesi, East Sulawesi, Bosowasi and Luwu Raya -- encompassing a
total of 18 regencies or mayoralties currently under the
administration of South Sulawesi.

"We won't impede them, but they have to truly prepare
themselves both administratively and in terms of manpower," the
governor added. (27)