'Councillors have already forgotten us'<\/p>\n
Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has \"set\" the housing allowance for the
\nCity Council: Rp 15 million (US$1,650) a month for councillors
\nand Rp 20 million for its leaders. The Jakarta Post interviewed
\nsome folks to get their comments on such seeming extravagance.<\/p>\n
Afrizon, 43, a trader at Majestic market in South Jakarta. He
\nlives in Kebayoran Lama Utara subdistrict, South Jakarta
\nmunicipality.<\/p>\n
Well, I have read the news in the papers. It indicates that
\nmost of our leaders -- both those in the administration and in
\nthe Council -- do not care about the fate of poor people who are
\nstill struggling to survive.<\/p>\n
They only think how to enrich themselves. A councillor spends
\nRp 15 million a month only for a housing allowance?! For many
\nfamilies in the city, such an amount can be used to rent a house
\nfor four years.<\/p>\n
Those councillors already have houses now, why do they still
\nneed a housing allowance? I think most of them do not need such a
\nfacility as all of them are Jakarta residents, who should have a
\nhouse here. They were able to become legislative candidates in
\nthe first place because they were already rich people.<\/p>\n
So, how can we believe them when they say that they always
\nthink of the interests of the people. I think they always try to
\ntake as much money as possible.<\/p>\n
Kusnan, 35, is a driver of a public minivan. He lives in Kebon
\nJeruk, West Jakarta.<\/p>\n
I've not believed in any politicians for a long time now,
\nbecause they've long been exploiting poor people for their own
\ninterests. They promise many things prior to the elections, but
\nthey forget nearly all of their promises after they reach good
\npositions.<\/p>\n
If they are desirous of a Rp 15 million a month accommodation
\napportionment, it merely serves to amplify the people's antipathy
\ntoward them. Although some of these leaders were also
\nimpoverished like us, they have already forgotten us since
\nbecoming councillors.<\/p>\n
They already have houses. Therefore, if they really care about
\nthe poor, they can allocate those funds for building plain, but
\ndecent, houses for poor people.<\/p>\n
I hope that there will be councillors who reject such the
\nallowance. My promise to them is that I will elect them again if
\nthey do reject it.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/councillors-have-already-forgotten-us-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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