"This book is like an auto-critic *for the city administration* aimed at improving the services we provide to residents," Prijanto said.

In his book, titled Mengintip APBD dan Pembangunan Jakarta (Looking into the City Budget), Prijanto explains the policies and considerations behind city budget allocations and development projects.

"I hope many parties will learn something from this little book."

Prijanto and Governor Fauzi Bowo, who were directly elected in 2007, celebrated their two-year anniversary in the office on Wednesday.

Earlier on Monday, the Policy and Development Strategy Research Center (Puskaptis) released its survey, suggesting the Fauzi-Prijanto administration still had to work harder to deliver on its campaign promises.

The survey underlines that the administration should immediately increase budget allocations and efforts to promote its programs as well as policies, since most residents remain unfamiliar with them.

Besides highlighting the city's problems, Prijanto also insists on the importance of having a balance of power between the city administration and the city council.

"The main pillars upholding a great nation are the judicial, legislative and executive agencies. If one of the pillars is too strong, it will ruin the foundations of the country and endanger the nation," he said.

At the provincial level, the city council plays the judicial and legislative roles, while the administration handles the executive role.

"I really hope those pillars can work together in harmony," said the former territorial assistant for the Army Chief of Staff.

"I also hope the complaints from certain agencies about budgeting allocations for other offices will stop," he added.

In his book, Prijanto says the 2008 budget allocation for Gakin (health for poor families) - worth Rp 280 billion - actually fell short of the ideal amount of Rp 344.22 billion.

Prijanto added the traffic would reach a complete gridlock by 2014 if no alternative measures were taken.

He claims his administration has responded to the challenges by formulating projects, such as the Transjakarta busway and other plans including the Light Rapid Transit, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and sea transportation.

Since the Transjakarta busway has not been successful so far, and the MRT is far from being completed, he calls on residents to be more disciplined on the road.

Prijanto also underlines the need for his own administration to draw a blueprint to better contain floods.

With 13 rivers flowing through the city and 40 percent of the city area below sea level, Jakarta faces serious challenges arising from floods every year.

Commenting on the book, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' (CSIS) senior researcher, J. Kristiadi, said some people might be offended by Prijanto's direct criticism.

"Nevertheless, this kind of book is a good read for those who have been entrusted with running the country.

"Here, you can find people's most common complaints," he added.

-JP/Niken Prathivi

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