Sutiyoso wants street fund-raising to stop

JAKARTA: Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso called on Saturday Jakarta residents to stop activities on streets to raise donations for victims of the earthquake and tsunami tragedy in Aceh and North Sumatra provinces as it caused traffic jams, while the funds raised was unaccountable.

"The activity to raise funds on the streets has obstructed traffic. Besides, we also don't really know whether they would channel the funds to the needy," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

Sutiyoso suggested that donations could be submitted through the administration.

"We will directly channel the donations to Aceh and North Sumatra governors," said Sutiyoso, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Association for Provincial Administrations.

"Donations raised from the public will be subject to audit by an independent auditor," he promised. --JP.