C. Java legislators want more money

SEMARANG, Central Java: Despite a 30 percent rise, Central Java provincial council legislators are still complaining that their salaries are lower than their counterparts across the country.

Hartoyo Abdullah, secretary of the Golkar faction in the council, was quoted by Antara as saying that only 4.6 percent of the total provincial income of Rp 335 billion was allocated to the council.

"We've consulted with state minister of regional autonomy expert staff Andi A. Malarangeng who said the rise could be up to 10 percent of the regional income," he said.

Hartoyo also pointed out that the funds allocated for the council were not only used for legislators' salaries but also for council staff.

Council members in Lampung receive a monthly salary of about Rp 4.2 million, West Java legislators receive Rp 11.6 million while East Java Rp 11 million.

Hartoyo said Central Java council members receive Rp 2.5 million per month.(10)