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.