'Councillor housing allowances appaling'

'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