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JAKARTA, Sunday (AFP) -President Megawati Sukarnoputri has criticized Indonesia's regional officials who frequently go abroad for what they call comparative studies, saying such trips had brought their regions little benefit. "What they call comparative studies, I do not see that it gives anything necessary back to the regions, when they stay in very plush hotels," Megawati was quoted by Thursday's Jakarta Post as telling a seminar on regional development.

She said officials had learned little from their overseas trips and criticized the lavish lifestyle of provincial governors, district chiefs and legislators.Megawati herself has drawn flak for her frequent foreign trips.

The taciturn president rarely comments on issues of public concern but frequently hits out at officials in off-the-cuff speeches. Last month she slammed civil servants for their poor performance.

Indonesia's media and activists have rapped officials for what they call frequent foreign junkets at a time of economic crisis.

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