Councillors' salaries

Amid news of elderly people dying after queuing up for Rp 100,000 in aid, it is astonishing to hear that Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has reportedly doubled city councillors' monthly salaries to Rp 50 million, in addition to their housing allowances and luxury cars ( The Jakarta Post, Oct. 24).

Beyond comprehension is that the councillors will receive Rp 1.5 million for every "public meeting" attended and "city visit" conducted. Governor Sutiyoso claimed the increase was meant to "encourage councillors to concentrate on their jobs and refrain from involvement in corruption".

While the recent price hikes have increased the poor's burden and led to belt-tightening, Governor Sutiyoso seems to delusively believe all is well. The price increases have even caused him to support the move to double parking fees from the current Rp 2,000 to Rp 4,000 per hour for off-street parking.

WIDHYAWATI AMBARA, Jakarta