DISCUSSIONS on the 2001 state budget are almost at a dead end. This is despite the fact that the deadline has been extended from November 27 to December 5, 2000. If there is a further extension, the promotion of the 2001 state budget in the regions will be delayed. This will then result in local governments—at provincial, regency and municipal levels—being late in preparing their budgets. Another concern is that if draft discussions o