GOVERNOR DISAPPOINTED BY PLANNED CLOSURE OF JAPANESE CONSULATE

Makasasar, Indonesia, Dec 6 (ANTARA) - South Sulawesi Govenor Syahrul Yasin Limpo has expressed disappointment over the plan to close the Japanese consulate general office in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

"I am disappointed and sad with the Japanese government's plan to close its consulate general in Makassar," the governor said here Friday night.

The governor made the statement when addressing a function held to observe the birthday of the Japanese emperor in a star-rated hotel here.

He said that he had also written to the Foreign Ministry on his complaint about the planned closure of the Japanese consulate general in Makassar.

"I regret the fact that the relation between South Sulawesi and the Japanese government is to be downgraded at a time when it should be upgraded," the governor said.

Governor Limpo mentioned several facts worth noting to upgrade the relations. He mentioned among others several projects such as the Gowa paper factory, the Bili-bili dam, the Malino green tea plantation and the Arabica coffee plantation whose products were exported to Japan.

Japanese Consul General in Makassar Akira Goto on the occasion officially announced the Japanese government's plan to close the consulate general in Makassar at the end of December 2008.***