House Proposes Regional Heads Receive Share of Local Revenue to Curb Corruption: 'Illogical to Earn Only Rp5-6 Million'

The House of Representatives (DPR) has proposed that regional heads and deputy regional heads receive a percentage of locally generated revenue (PAD). The proposed allocation is intended to provide additional income beyond their base salaries. Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, Chairman of House Commission II, stated that the commission is recommending the government revise several laws and regulations, particularly those concerning the financial entitlements of regional heads and their deputies. The NasDem Party politician noted that the base salary for regional heads remains relatively small, at around Rp5 to Rp6 million per month, a figure disproportionate to the political costs incurred during election campaigns. ‘It is illogical for a regional head’s salary to be only around Rp5 to 6 million, while the political costs are high,’ Rifqi said. He argued that this factor is one of the causes behind the high number of corruption cases involving regional heads and deputies. ‘Therefore, we must provide rational and proportional financial entitlements. One of our proposals is that they receive a certain percentage of locally generated revenue,’ he added. Rifqi believes that if regional heads and deputies receive a share of PAD, it could help minimise corrupt practices. ‘If this is properly stated and regulated through legislation, our hope is that the abuse of authority, including corruption, can be minimised,’ he explained.