Sutiyoso sticks to govt PP 108/2000 regulation

Sutiyoso sticks to govt PP 108/2000 regulation

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Friday was upbeat and full
of confidence that his accountability speech due to be presented
on March 30 would not be rejected by Jakarta City Council.

Sutiyoso hinted that the controversial Government Regulation
(PP) No. 108 would weigh heavily in his favor should there be
attempts to replace him.

"There are many ways to replace me, but we have the same base,
Government Regulation (PP) No. 108 on governors' accountability,"
Sutiyoso.

He revealed his accountability speech, according to
regulation, would be based on the city budget, admitting that the
budget was not perfect.

But he said since the budget was arranged between the city
administration and the City Council any shortcomings should be
resolved together.

"The most important thing is that I am committed to
establishing a credible administration," Sutiyoso said.

According to the regulation, rejecting a governor's
accountability requires support from two-thirds of the council,
in which all factions must be represented.

Most councillors have criticized the regulation as its
requirements make it virtually impossible to reject the
governor's accountability.

The council has 11 factions with three factions only
consisting of one councillor each.

Councillors have argued that the regulation violates the
spirit of Law No. 22/1999 on regional autonomy which places
governors and councils on an equal level.

They also deplored PP 108 for "robbing" councillors' rights.

Separately, City Council deputy chief Djafar Badjeber said on
Friday that the council has set up a team to formulate parameters
which would be used to evaluate Sutiyoso's accountability.

Djafar of the United Development Party said the team consists
of two deputy chiefs of the council and five chairmen of the
council's commissions. (jun)