Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has called for detecting any potential conflict ahead of the regional elections scheduled to take place in December 2015.

"He just now ordered us all, especially the National Intelligence Agency (BNN) and the national police chief as well as the ministry of home affairs, to ensure early detection of any potential of a conflict in a number of regions," Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said here on Monday.

He said so far, before the simultaneous regional elections planned in a number of regions on December 9, conditions have been peaceful.

He added that sufficient budgetary support has been made available for conducting the elections in nine provinces, 224 districts and six cities.

"Some regions, however, still have a deficit in their budget although their need for election funds could still be met by the provincial government. This is still being discussed by the concerned legislative assemblies and the election supervisory body (Bawaslu)," he said.

The minister said Rp7.1 trillion worth of funds have been provided through regional budgets.

He said the President, at the meeting, has also ordered close monitoring of voters lists.

He hoped the elections would run smoothly, successfully and democratically.

On November 4, a team from the office of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs, Bawaslu, and the police would visit some regions considered having conflict potential.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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