SBY to push local govts to boost spending

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono held Thursday a plenary Cabinet meeting to discuss efforts to speed up state spending in regions.

Ministers, head of government agencies, governors and several noted tycoons attended the meeting, which is slated to last until Friday evening.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha told The Jakarta Post problems related with sluggish spending by local governments would top the meeting agenda.

"The most contentious issue in the meeting will include problems faced by local administrations in spending the budget," said Julian.

"Spending acceleration is needed to help jack up the sluggish local economies," he said.

Other issues slated to be discussed include bureaucracy streamlining between central and local governments, according to Julian.