UK donates US$1.5m for elections

UK donates US$1.5m for elections

MANADO, North Sulawesi: British Ambassador to Indonesia
Richard Gozney disclosed on Friday that his country would donate
US$1.5 million for Indonesia's general elections in 2004.

Speaking in a meeting with North Sulawesi legislative
councillors on Friday, Gozney said the donation would be
channeled through the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Legislative members attending the meeting were Victor
Mailangkay, Janes Parengkuan, J.A. Damopolii, Ang Marentek, Tony
Kaunang, and Tilung Mokoginta.

Indonesia is to hold legislative elections in April 2004 and
presidential elections between June and August 2004.

KPU had said earlier that the commission needed some Rp 900
billion more to finance the elections. The government had
committed Rp 2.3 trillion for the commission in 2003 alone.

During the meeting, Gozney praised changes in the country's
political life, especially in the freedom of the press and the
greater role played by legislative bodies across the country.
--Antara