Mayor's costs questioned

TANGERANG (JP): A Tangerang mayoralty councillor said here on Tuesday the proposed expenditures for the mayor in the 2001 draft budget were unrealistic.

Sadjiran Tarmidzi of the budgetary commission said the Rp 778,200,000 allocated for the mayor's annual expenditures was too much. "The proposal does not reflect efficiency."

"With that much money, the mayor will receive Rp 68,850,000 for his monthly expenses, including his salary," he said, hinting that his commission was likely to cut the figure.

"How can a mayor receive that much money when most people live in poverty?

"As a leader, the mayor should be more responsive to the difficulties faced by his people," Sadjiran said. (41/sur)