Costly MPR session

According to a Sept. 24 report in this newspaper, the upcoming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will have a price tag of Rp 49 billion. During a time of austerity for the government, this seems a little on the high side for a two- session event for 700 members plus staff, most of whom who are already on the government payroll.

This is how that amount was explained by the Assembly's secretary-general, Mr. Afif Ma'roef: Rp.13 billion is for staff expenses, Rp 4.8 billion for Assembly members' travel and accommodation and Rp 31.3 billion for "proceedings". No one expects the Assembly members to sleep in tents at the foot of the National Monument or to read their notes by candlelight or to empty their own trash cans or hitchhike between hotels and Senayan. But has anyone reviewed this budget and questioned the listed expenses? One way or another, this money will come out of the pockets of the people. The costs of even a worthy cause like democracy should be monitored.

On the same newspaper page, the new code of ethics for House members was announced. Does this code contain a provision against "double-dipping" (being paid for working one's regular government assignment and also being paid for another assignment during the same work hours), or against receiving kickbacks for the performance of official duties such as organizing travel arrangements? Perhaps as a public service The Jakarta Post and other newspapers could publish the House's new code of ethics in full for the public's information.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra