Councillors criticized for staging protest over 'low' salary

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang

Tangerang regency councillors' protest on Monday was condemned by a religious leader and labor activist, who said the councillors had disappointed their constituents.

Chaerudin, a religious leader in the regency, said the councillors had shown that their goal was to enrich themselves.

"Their pledge to represent the people in the development process was not genuine. They are only looking for wealth," he said on Tuesday.

Chaerudin said it was unethical for the councillors to stage a protest. "It's the first time in the country that councillors have staged a protest over low salaries and poor facilities. They should remember those who earn less."

Forty-five councillors held a rally in protest over Government Regulation No. 24/2004 on protocol and financial benefits for councillors by forming an ojek (motorcycle taxi) convoy to ride to the office on Monday and vowed not to speak the whole day. Wearing suits and ties, they rode for five kilometers to the regency capital of Tigaraksa.

Ngadinah, a member of the Confederation of Independent Labor Unions (GSBI), said the protest showed that the councillors were greedy and only thought of their own interests.

"This year we only received Rp 695,000 (US$74.73) as a monthly wage, while the councillors take home around Rp 4.6 million each month," she said.

Tonny Wismantoro, director of Tangerang Government Watch, also criticized the protest. "Councillors should not protest about the poor salary and facilities they receive because the regulation affects councillors nationwide."

Councillor Almansur of the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, who organized the rally, said the regulation "had reduced the councillors' right to a better life".

"The silence symbolized our concern over councillors inability to pay off bank loans," he said.

Councillor Dedi M.M. of the Golkar Party faction claimed that his house and private car had been confiscated by a bank as he was unable to pay off an Rp 800 million loan he took to finance his campaign in the legislative election.

"I have to pay Rp 15 million in installments each month," said former Bitung Jaya village head. "I had hoped that I could pay the installments from my monthly salary but the new regulation stipulates that each councillor only earns Rp 4.6 million a month."