SMS: Rp 20 billion house for former president

Wed, 04/23/2008 1:07 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Despite their great leadership, I totally disagree. With so many people still begging on Jakarta's streets, it is unthinkable to entitle them Rp 20 billion each for a house. It would be better to spend the money for improving welfare of the people.
THOMAS ANDRIKUS
Tangerang, Banten

For former presidents serving one or two full terms a maximum Rp 20 billion is appropriate. For vice presidents the maximum should be Rp 15 billion. For those who serve less than a full term, the money should be allocated proportionally.
SOEBAGJO SOETADJI
Jakarta

Whether it is appropriate or not depends on the former president's performance. In fact, the performance of each president may vary and fall into at least three categories: finishing his entire first term, finishing his second term and finishing a part of one term regardless of at the beginning, in the middle or the end. Hello lawmakers, how are you doing?
DIENAVITA HAPSARI
Tangerang, Banten

I think the decision is very ridiculous. I think ex-presidents have already been paid adequately when they were in their posts. So they don't deserve to get Rp 20 billion.
ANDRY
Yogyakarta

It is too much to give Rp 20 billion to former presidents, while our country still faces a big problem of poverty.
GOLDY PRATIWI SINAGA
Cimahi, West Java

Where does the money come from? Of course from us, Indonesian people. I think it is better if the money is given to the people who really need it.
VERA M
Bandung

Rp 20 billion to buy a house? Stupid law! That money can help a lot of poor people. I think if all former presidents can be more wise, they should give that money to poor people.
MEI
Bandung

In my opinion, the amount of money is inappropriate because there are a lot of poor people. While former presidents use Rp 20 billion only for a house, many poor people will get a better life if the money is allocated for them.
NISSA K
Bandung

It's not appropriate at all because there are still a lot of Indonesians who live in poverty. This huge amount of money should be allocated for the poor. Why do the politicians make such a decision?
ANI SAVITRI
Bandung

The Rp 20 billion is a very small amount if we compare it to the 2008 state budget of around Rp 800 trillion. But it looks ironic if we compare it to the monthly salaries of the lowest ranking soldiers or police officers, which are only some Rp 1.25 million.

To get Rp 20 billion, they would have to "stay" in that position for 1,333 years or more than 13 centuries without spending their salaries at all.
M SULHAN ASKANDAR
Jakarta

The amount isn't appropriate while many Indonesians are still living miserably.
ARI FAJRIA NOVARI
Bandung

A US$2.17 million bungalow for an ex-president may be chicken feed to U.S. presidents, but for Indonesia, constantly inundated with natural disasters, that's unfair and unholy too, not only to your people but also to international donors.
WARHID OTHMAN
Kuala Lumpur

I think the government's decision isn't wise. There are many poor people who need help but the government squanders abundant money on itself.
RARA
Yogyakarta

Did Gus Dur create any real value for Indonesia in his brief tenure as president? If he had then it would be appropriate. Not so in his case. US$2 million could be better spent on upgrading the failing national infrastructure.
RORY
Jakarta

No, they're already rich and they have received, enjoyed, wasted people money. Such amount of money is more appropriate to build public utilities.
ANDI
Makassar, South Sulawesi

Too much! US$500,000 is enough.
K.K. CHEONG
Tebing Tinggi, North Sumatra

They don't have heart if they receive such amount of money. The money could be used to give free education to many people.
RHEA ARELLA
Jakarta

To have a house is a basic need for all people. Therefore, all of our ex-presidents need (extra) houses even though at the expense of many of their people, who can not afford houses.
JOKO SUKISNO
Bogor, West Java

I think the amount is too much. They have been able to enrich themselves during their terms. It is better to allocate the money for the country's health and education programs.
DAMERIA H.
Bandung

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