[b]What are subdistrict

What are subdistrict councils for?

From Warta Kota

In response to a non-governmental organization's recent criticism, a subdistrict council (Dekel) chief has argued that in his position he has some civic duties to perform.

Acknowledging the Rp 500,000 monthly honorarium on top of his salary, he claimed to have received the sum only quarterly. Meanwhile, the public is not informed of the precise function of Dekel.

The question should be asked as to whether local citizens can benefit from the function of Dekel and are aware of their presence at all. The extra income enjoyed by their chiefs is quite substantial, particularly in view of the lesser pay received by most factory employees.

Therefore, the duties and responsibilities of subdistrict councils should be clearly specified and further reviewed, so that their existence and performance can benefit the welfare of people on low incomes.

TAUFIK KARMADI Jakarta