Lampung governor lambasted for exorbitant gun budget

Oyos Saroso H.N., Bandarlampung

After being criticized for proposing additional budget spending (ABT) on luxury cars, Governor Sjahroeddin Z.P. was again thrust into the hot seat on Thursday after Lampung councillors found that the governor also proposed another large amount of money to buy guns.

The discovery was revealed when the budget committee at Lampung provincial council was deliberating, but later approved in full -- the ABT proposal by the Governor totaling Rp 39 billion (US$4.23 million).

The Rp 39 billion comes on top of the 2004 provincial budget which totaled Rp 767.75 billion and was agreed upon earlier this year by the Lampung provincial council and the administration. Of the proposed extra funding, 70 percent is to be spent on government procurement and construction projects, as well as the purchase of the aforementioned luxury cars. The cars include a Toyota Crown valued at Rp 750 million for the Lampung governor, and two Toyota Camrys worth a total of Rp 950 million -- one each for the speaker of Lampung provincial council and one for the secretary of the Lampung provincial administration.

But, at Thursday's meeting, it was revealed that the governor also proposed another line item for "governor's security", totaling Rp 900 million (US$ 97,800). Of that amount Rp 600 million is allocated for buying guns for security guards, Rp 150 million for buying a single pistol for the governor himself and another Rp 150 million for the deputy governor's gun.

Some councillors lashed out at the governor over his proposal. The purchase of the pistol is not an urgent need and it is merely aimed at showing off, said councillor Priyono from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police faction.

He went on to add that as a public servant, the governor and the deputy governor should not be afraid of their people.

"There should not be an excessive fear on part of the governor. The amount of money allocated for buying the pistol should be allocated to increase the wealth of civil servants at the Lampung provincial administration, who are not well-paid," said Priyono.

Another councillor Muzakkir Noer from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, shared similar concerns, saying that the purchase of guns and luxury cars was a waste of money.

He said that the money should be allocated for other programs that directly affected the life of many people, including education, health and employment programs. "And then, it would not only be benefiting one or two persons but many," he said.

However, a councillor from Golkar Party faction, Fauzi Saleh, defended the governor's decisions, saying that both top officials at the Lampung administration really needed a pistol for self- defense.

Despite all the debate on Thursday, the governor's Rp 39 billion proposal was duly agreed upon in full by the members of budget committee, and it will next be put before a plenary meeting for final approval.