Benchmarks, not washing machines

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