Megawati Regrets Clashes over Creation of New Provinces

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has questioned the regions readiness to establish regional autonomy and the creation of new provinces. Are we mentally ready or not for the creation of new provinces? Megawati said in the opening of the 2nd National Work Meeting of Regional House of Representatives (DPR) Leaders Association on Friday (05/09) at the State Palace, Jakarta. People have impression that the central government hampers efforts to create new provinces, said the President. Its not true, we only have to be very careful, physically and mentally, in preparing regions that will create new provinces, she continued. According to the President, Indonesia indeed needs regional autonomy as it is impossible for the country to once again apply a centralist government. The central and regional governments should coordinate in adjusting their concepts of statesmanship and nationalism. Megawati considered the autonomy spirit is often too much. They are too eager to find the potency, resources and regional capacity. This has triggered competition over resources, she stated. Its too bad that the spirit to find resources could not be used to the maximum when it comes to infrastructure development, that is aimed at attracting investors. Megawati has therefore requested regions to determine development priorities. Meanwhile, the central government is finishing its review and formulating a plan to improve prevailing regional government law.(Anggoro-Tempo News Room)