Benchmarks, not washing machines<\/p>\n
The allocation of funds intended for the purchase of washing
\nmachines for members of the House of Representatives (DPR) has
\nsparked a public debate in which this policy has been cynically
\nresponded to in view of the large amount of money that the
\ngovernment has forked out for every House member. A legislator
\nmay expect to receive about Rp 30 million a month, made up of
\ntheir salary, benefits and other facilities.<\/p>\n
Again this matter is a reflection of House members'
\nselfishness. If they would try to show just a little
\nunderstanding about the poor financial condition of the state,
\nthey would purchase a washing machine by themselves. Let's say
\nthis machine costs Rp 6 million and can be used for one period of
\nfive years. Every month they will have to set aside only Rp
\n100,000. Although a washing machine may be one of the items to
\nfurnish a legislator's house with, House members' agreement to
\nreceive a washing machine is unsympathetic.<\/p>\n
Biting criticisms have been unleashed on the egotism and money
\ncraving of House members\/members of regional legislative
\nassemblies as they prioritize their own pleasure such as Rp 150
\nmillion a person as a severance payment, loan facilities to buy
\ncars and overseas trips without any results, and distribution of
\nland parcels. Unfortunately, these legislators have omitted to
\nfight for the interests of their electorate, people charmed by
\nsweet promises made during the campaign period.<\/p>\n
All these worldly pleasures wouldn't pose so much of a problem
\nif the legislators performed well, but the issuance of laws can
\nbear testament to the contrary. Their good performance can also
\nbe measured in consideration of the state's budget that they have
\napproved and also from effective supervision over the executive
\nin order to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism.
\nUnfortunately, many legislators have been too lazy to even attend
\nHouse meetings.<\/p>\n
Most legislators can assume apathy and demonstrate their
\nstupidity, passive behavior, great avarice for money and lack of
\nurgency because they have immunity against being recalled.
\nFurthermore, there are no standard provisions regarding the
\nrights, duties, obligations and sanctions for House members so
\nthat, in the absence of the yardstick, it will be difficult to
\nmeasure their performance.<\/p>\n
Therefore, regardless of the quality of their performance and
\nas long as they are not proved guilty of a crime, a House member
\ncan serve until the end of their tenure and enjoy all the
\nfacilities intended for them.<\/p>\n
H. WISDARMANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/benchmarks-not-washing-machines-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }