Sutiyoso put on Rp 9.5b allowance

Sutiyoso put on Rp 9.5b allowance

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The draft 2003 city budget and its details were delivered to all
85 members of the City Council on Thursday, containing a number
of interesting points, including the budget for Governor
Sutiyoso's regular perks during the year.

In the draft budget, which is expected to be passed into law
on Jan. 14, 2003, the city administration has proposed about Rp
9.5 billion for Sutiyoso's allowances, besides his monthly
salary, which has yet to be determined.

But according to the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission
(KPKPN), the salary this year for Sutiyoso is Rp 200 million per
month.

The regular allowances are included in the 2003 draft budget,
proposed by the city administration to increase by around 13
percent, from Rp 9.7 trillion this year to about Rp 11 trillion
next year. The City Council is expected to approve it in the
middle of next month.

Sutiyoso's regular allowances next year include Rp 350 million
for maintenance of his official residence, Rp 92 million for the
residence electricity bills, Rp 90 million for his morning coffee
and a clothing allowance of Rp 65 million.

Other items are Rp 100 million for health insurance, Rp 90
million for newspapers and magazines, Rp 51 million for car
maintenance and Rp 887.7 million for operational activities and
the drafting of his speeches.

Many legislators were reluctant to comment on the issue,
saying that they had not read the budget draft yet.

Achmad Heriyawan, chairman of the Justice Party faction at the
City Council, however, said such expenditure could be reduced if
there was political will from all parties, including executives
and councillors.

"Frankly speaking, I cannot comment on that issue as we have
had no detailed explanation on the draft budget. But I can say
there is still a lack of political will on behalf of the city
administration to cut spending," he added.