West Sumatra KPU economizes

PADANG, West Sumatra: The West Sumatra General Election Commission (KPU) has saved at least Rp 20 billion (US$2.1 million) by, among other things, amalgamating some polling stations.

By merging the polling stations, the KPU will pay less for polling booth materials, and less on poll officials and witnesses during the upcoming direct regional elections, said chief of West Sumatra KPU Muftie Syarfie.

Regional elections in the province will be held in 10 regencies and municipalities here on June 27. -- JP