'A Volvo is not that luxurious'

The move by all four leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to promote a modest lifestyle by rejecting the luxuries they are entitled to has met with various responses. Many people support the gesture, but two residents The Jakarta Post talked to had something different to say.

Musanif, 39, is an activist of a youth group on Jl. Jagakarsa Raya, South Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Pancoran Barat, also in South Jakarta:

The MPR leaders' refusal to receive the luxuries they are entitled is not a significant contribution to efforts to streamline state expenditure.

It would only be significant if all other state officials followed their example.

I, however, appreciate their action. It would be positive if it became a national movement to promote a modest lifestyle, as there are still many of us who live in poverty.

I hope they have no hidden agenda for rejecting the Volvo cars and other luxuries. We will be watching their performance over the next five years with great interest.

Aprilina, 26 is a consultant with a noted public relations company on Jl. Sudirman. She lives in Condet, East Jakarta:

People must not be taken in by the MPR leaders' decision to reject the Volvo limousines. The prices of old Volvos are lower than what you would pay for a new Toyota Kijang.

The price of an old Volvo is less than Rp 100 million (US$11,111), while the price of new Kijang is around Rp 150 million. So, if it's a new Kijang that they're asking for, that would cost the state more.

I think what they asking for is not in line with their campaign to promote a modest lifestyle to the people. I don't know whether the MPR leaders realize that they are only burdening the state budget more.

--The Jakarta Post