Councillors to get hefty allowance

SEMARANG: The Central Java provincial government has proposed that, starting from January next year, provincial councillors will get a monthly payment of Rp 5 million as a housing allowance.

The amount of the housing allowance is much higher than average housing rents in the province, that stands below Rp 1 million a month for a modest house.

"However, the amount is proper because councillors are on par with senior government officials," said Soejatno Pedro, a councillor at the Central Java council.

The proposal will be discussed at the council plenary session on Thursday, and is expected to be approved by the councillors.

The housing allowance is on top of the councillor's basic salary of between Rp 6 to Rp 7 million a month. -- JP