Govt supports village bill

Tue, 09/09/2008 10:16 AM  |  National

JAKARTA: The government has expressed support for a village administration bill proposed by the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), saying it will contribute to the nation's effort to speed up development in underprivileged regions.

State Minister for Disadvantaged Regions Lukman Edy said Monday the government expected the bill to promote decentralization.

"The bill should promote sovereignty, self-sufficiency and development with the aim to improve the welfare of all, rather than governing administrations," Eddy told a hearing of the DPD ad hoc commission I overseeing regional autonomy.

However, Eddy said contradicting data would likely slow the development of villages in the country.

Home Affairs Ministry data this year revealed there are 73,067 villages in the country. However, the Central Statistics Bureau put the number at 70,611 in 2006 and the ministerial office of disadvantaged regions recorded 73,798 in its survey last year.--JP

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