Affirm Central Regional Governments Authority And Responsibility

Jakarta, Sept 17 (Antara) - The bill on regional government should affirm the authority and responsibility of both the central and regional governments, stated President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "The authority, responsibility, and the task of the central, provincial, and regional governments should be affirmed and clarified," the president emphasized while opening a limited meeting on politics, law, and security at his office on Wednesday. Yudhoyono noted that he frequently read and heard from the media about undisciplined regional heads whose performance and behaviors were despicable. The head of state opined that, so far, a firm and transparent rule and regulation is not yet in place to resolve this issue. "I can temporarily dismiss a regional head when he or she is a defendant," the president remarked, adding that if the person is convicted then he/she will be permanently dismissed.