Sutiyoso seeks glory in Athens sun

Governor Sutiyoso departed for Athens on Tuesday evening to give his support to Indonesia's badminton athletes, leaving his subordinates to deal with the City Council as it deliberates revisions to the 2004 budget.

Sutiyoso will definitely miss the final statement delivered by the Council on Friday as he is only due to return home next Monday. Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo will deputize for him.

Fauzi, however, hinted that Sutiyoso's absence would not affect the Council's final decision on the budget revisions.

"The discussions only revolve around the detailed calculations ... There'll be no fundamental changes to the proposed revisions," Fauzi told reporters after attending a hearing on the budget revisions with the Council on Wednesday.

The administration has proposed additional budget spending of Rp 453 billion (US$50.89 million). Should the proposal be approved, the total 2004 city budget will stand at Rp 12.731 trillion. The city's 2003 budget was Rp 11.65 trillion.

Concurring with Fauzi, city spokesman Muhayat asserted that Sutiyoso's absence would not spell any trouble for the administration.

"There is no problem with it as it doesn't conflict with the City Council's standing orders. If the governor cannot attend the session, then his deputy can stand in for him," Muhayat told The Jakarta Post.

Muhayat also said that all day-to-day tasks would be handled by Fauzi, including attending ceremonies and receiving official guests.

He said that Sutiyoso had sought permission from Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno before leaving for Athens in his capacity as the new chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).

Sutiyoso was named PBSI chairman on July 17 to replace Chairul Tanjung for the 2004-2008 term.

Sutiyoso said earlier that he would give the shuttlers "added motivation" to succeed in Athens.

"As he will return home on Aug. 23, he will be able to attend the installation of the 75 new city councillors on Aug. 25," Muhayat said. --JP