PRESIDENT INSPECTS ELECTRONIC FACTORY

Jakarta, May 1 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inspected a Panasonic Gobel electronic factory on Jalan Raya Bogor in East Jakarta on Friday.

The president made the inspection to obtain first hand information about the situation and development of Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia.

After Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia's president director Ichiro Suganuma explained the factory's situation and development to President Yudhoyono, the head of state gave some directives.

Then, the president and his entourage performed Friday prayers at a mosque at the factory's premises.

On the occasion, the president was accompanied by Industry Minister Fahmi Idris, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno, Communications and Information Minister Muhammad Nuh, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.

After performing the Friday prayers, President Yudhohono and his entourage made their way to the Bogor Presidential Palace where he was scheduled to receive representatives of All-Indonesia Association of District Administrations (APKASI) for the 2009-2013 period at 4 p.m
At the State Palace here on Wednesday (April 29), the president opened the 3rh national conference of APKASI to revise its statutes and organizational rules in addition to electing a new executive board for the 2009-2013 period.

In his address, APKASI chairman MP Tumanggor said the association was established on May 30, 2000 in an effort to create a common perception on regional development.

A number of cabinet ministers attending the conference also gave inputs and explanations on current national problems that needed to be followed up by district administrations.

Home Affairs Minister Mardiyanto said on the occasion that the regional autonomy was a national agenda to step up regional development and to direct the regional development on the right track.

"Therefore, cooperation among the different district administrations plays an important role in raising the people's living standard," Mardiyanto said.