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)