Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan, (Antaranews Kalsel) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged regional leaders, legislative members and other officials to avoid becoming corrupted, noting that many have been jailed.
"Prevent corruption and irregularities, since they have claimed a lot of victims. Again, many have become victims, and so regional leaders must never be tempted. Let us stop corruption," he said at the groundbreaking and inaugural ceremony for development projects here on Wednesday.
He made his appeal at the end of his speech before four governors of Kalimantan provinces, along with district heads and city mayors from across South Kalimantan`s provinces.
He said that earlier corruption had involved many central government officials, but now it has shifted to the regions following the implementation of regional autonomy, under which district heads and city mayors have much power in the management of budgets, as well as the increasing power of the House of Representatives and the regional legislative assemblies.
"A lot of corruption has occurred in the regions and, therefore, let us put a stop to it," he said.
He noted those sought for corruption had once been able to hide, but now it is more difficult for suspects to avoid the law.
The President also called on governors, district heads and city mayors in Kalimantan to work harder to make the region into a new economic growth center.
"I hope these MP3EI projects could be continued and finished according to schedules. I, along with Pak Hatta, (the chief economic minister) would assure that infrastructure projects are completed and the public`s welfare is improved," he said.
He also advised regional leaders to be open to businessmen who wish to invest in their regions, especially with regards to licensing.
Editor : Asmuni Kadri
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