Trivial ceremonies eliminated

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang Mayoralty plans to eliminate insignificant ceremonies to streamline its budgetary expenses, Mayor Djakaria Mahmud said Saturday.

"The number of insignificant ceremonies, such as anniversary commemorations for institutions, will be phase out and be observed modestly," he said.

Djakaria was quoted by Antara as saying that he would also cut down on certain public competitions as suggested in a June 9 circular from the West Java governor.

Any competition should be held as modestly as possible without necessarily deviating from its original objective, he said.

The mayor also underlined the importance of simplifying welcome parties for visiting central government officials, adding that such parties should no longer be accompanied with traditional ceremonies or abundant food. (hhr)