Costly MPR session<\/p>\n
According to a Sept. 24 report in this newspaper, the upcoming
\nGeneral Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will
\nhave a price tag of Rp 49 billion. During a time of austerity for
\nthe government, this seems a little on the high side for a two-
\nsession event for 700 members plus staff, most of whom who are
\nalready on the government payroll.<\/p>\n
This is how that amount was explained by the Assembly's
\nsecretary-general, Mr. Afif Ma'roef: Rp.13 billion is for staff
\nexpenses, Rp 4.8 billion for Assembly members' travel and
\naccommodation and Rp 31.3 billion for \"proceedings\". No one
\nexpects the Assembly members to sleep in tents at the foot of the
\nNational Monument or to read their notes by candlelight or to
\nempty their own trash cans or hitchhike between hotels and
\nSenayan. But has anyone reviewed this budget and questioned the
\nlisted expenses? One way or another, this money will come out of
\nthe pockets of the people. The costs of even a worthy cause like
\ndemocracy should be monitored.<\/p>\n
On the same newspaper page, the new code of ethics for House
\nmembers was announced. Does this code contain a provision against
\n\"double-dipping\" (being paid for working one's regular government
\nassignment and also being paid for another assignment during the
\nsame work hours), or against receiving kickbacks for the
\nperformance of official duties such as organizing travel
\narrangements? Perhaps as a public service The Jakarta Post and
\nother newspapers could publish the House's new code of ethics in
\nfull for the public's information.<\/p>\n
DONNA K. WOODWARD<\/p>\n
Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/costly-mpr-session-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }