W. Java Council jet-setters

BANDUNG: Despite various financial problems, there always seems to be just enough money for councillors to conduct a "comparative study" tour abroad.

The latest example is West Java council's plan for councillors to visit five countries in the near future.

Traveling expenses allocated from the provincial budget for such a venture is set at Rp 1.3 billion (US$118,181).

The visit, expected to be held starting the end of this month until the end of June, will include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

Deputy council speaker Suyaman said on Thursday that the first group of councillors, led by Speaker Eka Santosa, will visit Australia for five days, to examine cooperation opportunities.

Suyaman, however, was quick to add that the Australian government was also forking out for the trip by paying for the tickets and accommodation for two of the eight or more councillors on the trip.

The second group will go to China and Hong Kong to explore economic cooperation, and the third group will visit Malaysia to conduct a comparative study on education and labor issues.

The last group will visit England to learn more about government structure. (25)