'Refusing luxury cars is a big enough gesture'

'Refusing luxury cars is a big enough gesture'

All four leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) have
refused the luxuries they are entitled in a bid to reduce state
expenditure and to set an example of thrift among state
officials. The Jakarta Post asked some residents their opinion
about the unprecedented move.

Christian K. Sahat, 27, works as a developer for a software
company on Jl. Sudirman. He lives with his family in Bintaro,
South Jakarta:

I think the recent act by MPR leaders to refuse luxury cars
and expensive hotel rooms is a positive thing, but it should not
stop there.

There should also be a clear, written regulation on
representatives' administrative perks so that it does not just
become a moral movement by several state officials. This is
because out of the 500 MPR members, I'd say not many would be
willing to follow their lead.

But if we make a regulation obliging state officials to live
modestly, then everyone will have to do so according to the law,
and we can really expect some change, particularly in cutting
down state expenditure.

Such a regulation would also work to lower skepticism the
actions are just another political publicity campaign.

Eko, 27, works at an IT solutions company in Harmoni, Central
Jakarta. He lives with his family in Ciledug, Tangerang:

The act of several state representatives to turn down luxuries
will be meaningless if they turn out to be a publicity stunt, and
these officials continue to accept presents from businessmen or
others that carry the strong stench of bribery.

They have to really show us their commitment in living
modestly and fighting corruption, by accepting only the basic
facilities they really need and refusing any others.

However, we still have to encourage them because what they did
was a good thing; they are moving in the right direction by
leading by example.

Hopefully they will be followed by their colleagues and
subordinates -- it will also give them moral legitimacy if they
start getting tough on corruption.

--The Jakarta Post