Kalla wants lawmakers punished

JAKARTA: Golkar Party chairman and Vice President Jusuf Kalla said he wants his party's faction in the House of Representatives to decide whether to punish four of its legislators who joined a much-criticized visit to Egypt.

"It is up to the Golkar faction to decide," he said after a ceremony at the vice presidential office here on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Kalla said the Golkar legislators -- Ebby Djauharie, Soeharsojo, Mukhtarudin and Zainudin Amali -- should not have taken part in the "study tour" to Egypt along with 11 other lawmakers.

The trip, which cost US$76,170, drew strong criticism from fellow House members and many community members who questioned its urgency and appropriateness.

In addition, critics also lament a lack of transparency, with the participants spending much of the time on recreational activities.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has decided to recall its legislator, Djoko Edhie Soetjipto, for joining the trip, which the party said was against its policy. --JP