Bigger allowance for troops in Aceh

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives has recommended the that government increase the daily allowance for police and military personnel deployed in the war-torn province of Aceh.

The recommendation was announced by a House team tasked with monitoring the so-called integrated operation in Aceh at a plenary session on Tuesday.

The team suggested the daily allowance be increased from Rp 21,000 ($2.5) per person to Rp 35,000 ($4).

Despite protests from the public as well as legislators, the government on Nov. 19 extended the military operation in Aceh for another six months.

The House monitoring team, headed by deputy speaker Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, also urged the government to provide the troops with bullet-proof vests, metal detectors and sufficient helicopters to ensure air mobility.

Legislators also emphasized the need to boost law enforcement in the restive province. - JP