Regents demand more authority

Regents across the country have asked the central government to grant them greater powers in regional administrations, which they claim they need to improve public welfare.

Association of Indonesian Regency Administrations (APKASI) chairman Sujono said Tuesday the request would be discussed at the association’s national meeting, which opens later in the day.

“The transfer of powers will not turn regents into little kings, as many have said,” said the regent of Pacitan in East Java, as quoted by kompas.com.

“The authority will stimulate their creativity in developing their regions.”

Sujono also complained about the “lost opportunities” for regional administrations, citing the lengthy process investors had to undergo to obtain licenses to mine coal in Kalimantan. Investors require permits from the central government to carry out any knind of mining.

The APKASI congress takes places in Madiun regency in East Java.