What are subdistrict councils for?

What are subdistrict councils for?

From Warta Kota

In response to a non-governmental organization's recent
criticism, a subdistrict council (Dekel) chief has argued that in
his position he has some civic duties to perform.

Acknowledging the Rp 500,000 monthly honorarium on top of his
salary, he claimed to have received the sum only quarterly.
Meanwhile, the public is not informed of the precise function of
Dekel.

The question should be asked as to whether local citizens can
benefit from the function of Dekel and are aware of their
presence at all. The extra income enjoyed by their chiefs is
quite substantial, particularly in view of the lesser pay
received by most factory employees.

Therefore, the duties and responsibilities of subdistrict
councils should be clearly specified and further reviewed, so
that their existence and performance can benefit the welfare of
people on low incomes.

TAUFIK KARMADI
Jakarta