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