Teach public how to read reports: Expert

Teach public how to read reports: Expert

YOGYAKARTA: A regional autonomy expert has praised the decision of the Sleman administration to have their 2003 financial reports printed in the mass media.

AAGN Ari Dwipayana of the Gadjah Mada University said,"It's a good move, indeed, to create accountable, credible, and transparent government. But it should not just stop there. The administration needs to take further measures to ensure the public can learn how to read such reports, give their response to them and ensure their response is listened to."

Many experts have said the financial reports were too technical for public to comprehend.

"A special forum needs to be conducted so the public can communicate their opinion on the reports to the administration," Ari said.

Sleman Regional Treasury and Financial Management Agency (BPKKD) head Nogati Sri Karyati said her office was open to the public, who could express their objections or suggestions about the reports.

"We have no plans to conduct a public forum about the reports because there has already been a public input process before the reports were submitted to the BPK for auditing," Nogati said. -- JP