Controversy Over RW's Eid Allowance Collection Letters in Kalideres
Jakarta — A fresh controversy surrounding Eid allowance (THR) collection requests by neighbourhood administrators has erupted.
This time, a solicitation letter from the RW administration in Kamal Village, Kalideres, West Jakarta, went viral on social media and triggered public debate among residents.
The request drew attention because the circulating letter specified varying contribution amounts: Rp500,000, Rp300,000, and Rp200,000.
The letter also listed several administrative positions, including RW Chairman, RW Vice-Chairman, Security Officer, Deputy Commander, and Civil Defence Coordinator.
RW 09 Chairman Wijaya Kusuma of Kamal Village eventually provided clarification after the letter became the subject of widespread discussion.
He stated that he had only assumed the role of RW Chairman in recent months following the death of his predecessor.
According to him, the proposal format and list of positions in the letter represented an old format that had been used by the previous administration.
“Regarding the THR matter, I’m simply continuing what the late chairman did. The proposal is the same too. As for the names and positions listed—RW, deputy, and so on—that was already how things were done under the late chairman, so I continued in roughly the same manner,” Wijaya explained when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
“It has been like this for a long time; the system was already well established,” Wijaya said.
Wijaya also refuted assumptions that the letter issued under the names of various RW officials was intended for personal gain.
He stated that all collected funds would be combined and used to purchase Eid gift baskets for those who assist with neighbourhood operations.
“So there’s no link to any particular RW position or deputy position. I combine everything and will buy gift baskets as THR for my staff, the RT officials and their teams, and the community workers as well,” he explained.
He clarified that the gift baskets typically contained basic necessities ahead of Eid.