Despite criticism, legislators ask for raise during recess

Despite facing increasing criticism for allegedly unproductive comparative studies and other activities, the House caretaker has issued a formal request for a significant increase to their recess allowance.

If granted, the amount paid to legislators during this period would double, increasing from Rp 1.7 billion to Rp 3.4 billion for each bill deliberation session.

The House is also currently working to increase its annual budget from the current Rp 2.7 trillion to Rp 3 trillion.

“But we are still going to discuss this with the House budget agency,” House caretaker Refrizal said Wednesday as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

The recess allowance comprised an allowance for travel abroad, which would be allocated to lawmakers intending to conduct comparative studies related to bills being deliberated, as well as a constituent aspiration allowance. The latter would allow legislators to organize meetings with constituents during the recess period.

Up to Rp 119 billion has already been allocated for this year's comparative study allowances. Each legislator has also been granted Rp 4.5 million for the aspiration allowance.