Sutiyoso seeks glory in Athens sun
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