'Councillor housing allowances appaling'

The Jakarta administration has agreed to give councillors a monthly housing allowance of between Rp 15 million and Rp 20 million. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions on the issue.

Heru Christanto, 30, works for a publishing company in West Jakarta. He lives with his family in a rented house in Kelapa Dua, West Jakarta:

I think its appalling that such a hefty housing allowance has been approved for the councillors. The policy is simply insensitive to the fact that many Jakarta residents are now living below the poverty line, not to mention the burden they have to shoulder following the fuel price hike.

I think not all of the councillors need the housing allowance, particularly with their high salaries and other facilities they enjoy.

With such a huge amount of money, they could rent luxurious apartments or houses.

The rent for my house is Rp 7.2 million for a year, or only Rp 600,000 per month.

I don't think they need plush apartments or homes to reflect their status as the people's representatives. It would be better if the money was allocated for the needy.

Oni, 28, owns a Chinese restaurant in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta. He lives with his family in Cempaka Putih housing complex:

Personally, I have no objection to the policy. But the debate over whether the allowance is excessive or not is sure to become heated.

I think the administration should establish clear regulations so that only those in need are entitled to the allowance.

Otherwise, councillors who have houses can also claim the allowance.

In the past, low-cost apartments and houses have been occupied by people with good incomes, leaving those in need empty-handed.

--The Jakarta Post