Sutiyoso delays increase in 22 levies
Sutiyoso delays increase in 22 levies
JAKARTA (JP): In weighing the burden on residents from
impending increases in electricity rates and fuel prices,
Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday he would delay a planned hike
in 22 city levies until further notice.
"I realize residents will face mounting burdens following the
government's decision to hike electricity rates and fuel prices.
Therefore, I decided to delay the hike of 22 city levies,"
Sutiyoso was quoted as saying by city administration spokesman
Muhayat.
The central government has decided to raise fuel prices an
average of 12 percent, and electricity rates will also be
increased an average of 29.34 percent. The increases take effect
on April 1.
"The hike, however, remains valid for parking fees, which were
raised on March 23," Muhayat said.
The city administration has increased the parking fee from Rp
300 (4 U.S. cents) to Rp 1,000 on busy streets and Rp 500 on
others.
The city administration categorizes levies as fees paid by
city residents before or after receiving services from city
agencies.
Muhayat said the governor summoned the assistant to the City
Secretary on Administrative Affairs, Ma'moen Amin, to discuss the
delay and then informed relevant city agencies of the decision.
"The hiked levies are in line with City Bylaw No. 3/1999 on
city levies and we'll increase them some time in the future while
waiting for an evaluation in April," he said.
"We'll prioritize which levies to be increased first. Those
affecting the majority of residents will be raised later." He
pledged there would be no increases in levies throughout April.
He said the delay was unlikely to cause any major problems in
the 2000 city budget. City levies are expected to contribute more
than Rp 108 billion of the more than Rp 3.389 trillion budget.
Muhayat denied speculation that the governor's move was
intended to bolster his position prior to his accountability
speech before city councillors later in April.
"There's no such intention. The only consideration is to help
most of our residents who would have had to face several price
hikes in April," he said.
Although most of the levies are set at low rates, members of
the public report rampant irregularities when they seek city
services.
The levy to obtain an identity card (KTP), for example, is set
at Rp 1,000, but most residents have to pay Rp 5,000 or more to
officials.
Commenting on the reports, Sutiyoso urged residents to pay
according to the official fees and report irregularities to his
office.
"I'll take strong action against my officials, but I need
solid proof and reports from residents," he said. (nvn)