'A Volvo is not that luxurious'<\/p>\n
The move by all four leaders of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly (MPR) to promote a modest lifestyle by rejecting the
\nluxuries they are entitled to has met with various responses.
\nMany people support the gesture, but two residents The Jakarta
\nPost talked to had something different to say.<\/p>\n
Musanif, 39, is an activist of a youth group on Jl. Jagakarsa
\nRaya, South Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pancoran Barat, also in
\nSouth Jakarta:<\/p>\n
The MPR leaders' refusal to receive the luxuries they are
\nentitled is not a significant contribution to efforts to
\nstreamline state expenditure.<\/p>\n
It would only be significant if all other state officials
\nfollowed their example.<\/p>\n
I, however, appreciate their action. It would be positive if
\nit became a national movement to promote a modest lifestyle, as
\nthere are still many of us who live in poverty.<\/p>\n
I hope they have no hidden agenda for rejecting the Volvo cars
\nand other luxuries. We will be watching their performance over
\nthe next five years with great interest.<\/p>\n
Aprilina, 26 is a consultant with a noted public relations
\ncompany on Jl. Sudirman. She lives in Condet, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
People must not be taken in by the MPR leaders' decision to
\nreject the Volvo limousines. The prices of old Volvos are lower
\nthan what you would pay for a new Toyota Kijang.<\/p>\n
The price of an old Volvo is less than Rp 100 million
\n(US$11,111), while the price of new Kijang is around Rp 150
\nmillion. So, if it's a new Kijang that they're asking for, that
\nwould cost the state more.<\/p>\n
I think what they asking for is not in line with their
\ncampaign to promote a modest lifestyle to the people. I don't
\nknow whether the MPR leaders realize that they are only burdening
\nthe state budget more.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-volvo-is-not-that-luxurious-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }