Councilors leave with full pockets

SURABAYA: Members of the East Java legislative council welcomed the end of their term of office on Thursday by pocketing up to Rp 97 million (approximately US$14,700) each, courtesy of the people of the province.

In a ceremony marking the end of the 1998/1999 fiscal year, council chief Brig. Gen. Sutarmas expressed the councilors' gratitude to everyone involved.

"To the people of East Java, we have given everything that we can, despite our limitations. We ask for your forgiveness," he said as quoted by Antara.

Governor Imam Utomo called on the councilors to continue to contribute to the provincial government and the people.

Imam said the councilors received up to Rp 50 million from sources including the local government, but the news agency said some councilors claimed they actually received Rp 97 million each.

They mark the end of term later this month with trips outside Java.(swe)