Benchmarks, not washing machines

The allocation of funds intended for the purchase of washing machines for members of the House of Representatives (DPR) has sparked a public debate in which this policy has been cynically responded to in view of the large amount of money that the government has forked out for every House member. A legislator may expect to receive about Rp 30 million a month, made up of their salary, benefits and other facilities.

Again this matter is a reflection of House members' selfishness. If they would try to show just a little understanding about the poor financial condition of the state, they would purchase a washing machine by themselves. Let's say this machine costs Rp 6 million and can be used for one period of five years. Every month they will have to set aside only Rp 100,000. Although a washing machine may be one of the items to furnish a legislator's house with, House members' agreement to receive a washing machine is unsympathetic.

Biting criticisms have been unleashed on the egotism and money craving of House members/members of regional legislative assemblies as they prioritize their own pleasure such as Rp 150 million a person as a severance payment, loan facilities to buy cars and overseas trips without any results, and distribution of land parcels. Unfortunately, these legislators have omitted to fight for the interests of their electorate, people charmed by sweet promises made during the campaign period.

All these worldly pleasures wouldn't pose so much of a problem if the legislators performed well, but the issuance of laws can bear testament to the contrary. Their good performance can also be measured in consideration of the state's budget that they have approved and also from effective supervision over the executive in order to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism. Unfortunately, many legislators have been too lazy to even attend House meetings.

Most legislators can assume apathy and demonstrate their stupidity, passive behavior, great avarice for money and lack of urgency because they have immunity against being recalled. Furthermore, there are no standard provisions regarding the rights, duties, obligations and sanctions for House members so that, in the absence of the yardstick, it will be difficult to measure their performance.

Therefore, regardless of the quality of their performance and as long as they are not proved guilty of a crime, a House member can serve until the end of their tenure and enjoy all the facilities intended for them.

H. WISDARMANTO

Jakarta