Increase In Allowances For Council Members Reasonable For DKI Provincial Government And DPRD

JAKARTA - The budget for salaries and allowances for members of the DKI Jakarta DPRD has increased by Rp26.42 billion this year. So that the amount of the salary and allowance budget is Rp177 billion for all members of the board in one year.

This is seen in the draft regional regulation regarding the 2022 budget year which has been evaluated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This evaluation is stipulated in the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 903-5850 of 2021 concerning the Evaluation of the DKI Jakarta RAPBD for Fiscal Year 2022.

Meanwhile, the salary and allowances for members of the DKI DPRD last year, namely 2020, amounted to Rp150.94 billion. If it is calculated, one DPRD member can pocket a salary and allowances of Rp1.67 billion per year or Rp139 million per month.

This increase in benefits is considered reasonable and appropriate, both by the executive and the legislature. The chairman of the DKI DPRD, Prasetyo Edi Marsudi, said that if it is calculated, the DPRD allowance is still smaller than the operational allowance for the Governor and Deputy Governor of DKI.

"We deserve this, sir. We will evaluate the Minister of Home Affairs. If not, the Minister of Home Affairs will be struck out (budget for the increase in allowances)," Prasetyo told reporters on Sunday, January 9.

The PDIP politician also claimed that the increased allowance would be used to help the community. An example is the socialization of government programs. "Yes, (increase in allowances) Rp26 billion for members of the council. But the money is again not for us, you know. For the community. It is increased a little to help the community such as socialization," he said.

Likewise, Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria, views that the increase in the budget for the Kebon Sirih MP's allowance is carried out in accordance with the rules and is still rational.

"The proposal (increase in allowances) has a process. Of course, it is not proposed at all. There is an increase that is allowed, the important thing is that it is in accordance with the rules, is rational, and must also pay attention to our abilities," said Riza.

The chairman of the DKI Gerindra DPD admitted that he appreciated the increase in the allowances for DPRD members. However, Riza said there was a chance that the increase in allowances would be cut if the Ministry of Home Affairs objected.

"We may seek a reasonable increase, but it all depends on the rules. It could be later if the Ministry of Home Affairs objected, there is a basis, of course it must be rationalized," he explained.