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Jokowi says salary increase depends on fiscal, economic conditions
Jokowi said that salary increases for military and police personnel and civil servants were dependent on fiscal and economic conditions.
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Indonesian Navy personnel walk next to the National Monument (Monas) during the celebration of the 78th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Jakarta on Oct. 5, 2023. (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba)
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said the decision on whether to increase the salaries of military and police personnel and civil servants or not was carefully thought out depending on the situation each year.
"Our fiscal and economic situation is different each year, so we decide whether to increase [the salary] based on thorough considerations,” he said on Monday, as quoted by cnnindonesia.com.
“If our fiscal position is under external pressure, be that by COVID-19, a trade war or the geopolitical situation that makes [the increase] impossible, we won’t do it."
Jokowi was commenting on presidential candidate Anies Baswedan’s statement during the third election debate on Sunday, when he pointed out that there had been fewer salary increases for military and police personnel and civil servants during Jokowi’s administration than during the administration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).
Jokowi said he had already signed a salary increase for military and police personnel and civil servants this month.
The regulation regarding the salary increase would be published soon, he said, with the hope that the increase could improve the welfare of personnel and workers while having an impact on the economy.
During the third debate at Istora Senayan in Central Jakarta, Anies said Jokowi's policies for the military and police were worse than those of the Yudhoyono administration.
"But in terms of policy, I think they're worse. Why? In the SBY era, salaries were increased nine times. During this era, they have only increased three times, in addition to the increase this year. Perhaps the next increase is due to the upcoming election," Anies said.
Anies also said the government had not thought things through concerning the welfare of military and police personnel, comparing the performance allowance for the military with other ministries.
“[Military and police personnel] only get 80 percent of their performance allowance,” he claimed.
“Look at the Finance Ministry and the Public Works and Housing Ministry. The ministers tried to increase the performance allowances there.”
