'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