Increase in the Indonesian DPR's recess allowance to Rp700 million draws public criticism.

The DPR members' recess allowance has again come under scrutiny after the government and the DPR approved a significant increase from Rp400 million to Rp700 million per recess period. This increase in allowances has sparked a wave of public criticism that questions the urgency of the policy amid an economy that remains under heavy pressure on the general public.

This policy was confirmed through internal sources at the General Secretariat of the DPR, which stated that the adjustment of allowances was made to “align with the needs of the activities of DPR members in their electoral districts.” However, many parties consider that reason not strong enough to justify a budget surge reaching 75 percent per recess period.

Background of the Increase in Reses Allowance

This increase in allowances is included in the internal revision of the current year's budget allocation. DPR argues that the increase in operating costs, the need to socialize the legislation, and constituent visits are the main basis.

However, the public views the policy as not aligned with the country's fiscal condition, which is still burdened by energy subsidies and inflationary pressures. Observers assess the decision to raise. Recess allowance demonstrates the weakness of political empathy toward low-income communities.

Purpose of the Reses according to the DPR

According to regulations, the recess period is the time when members of the DPR return to their electoral districts to gather the public's aspirations. Dana Recess allowance Used to cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, as well as the organization of public activities.

However, field practice often does not show concrete results. Many reports say that recesses are often filled with ceremonial activities without a substantive evaluation of the impact of legislation.

Budget Approval Process

Information from the Olam News source states, the decision to increase. Recess allowance This was approved in a meeting of the DPR's Household Affairs Agency (BURT), which was subsequently submitted to the Ministry of Finance for the allocation of additional budget. The government is reportedly giving the green light with the consideration of "adjustment of the legislature's operational needs."

Nevertheless, there is no official publication explaining the legal basis or the evaluation underlying the determination of the Rp700 million figure.

A Wave of Criticism and Demands for Transparency

This policy immediately triggered strong reactions from the public and the academic community. Social media is filled with comments that highlight the disparity between the welfare of government officials and ordinary people.

Criticism from academics and activists

An economist from the University of Indonesia assesses the increase. Recess allowance This does not reflect a fair fiscal policy. He emphasized that legislative expenditures should be oriented toward efficiency and real results, not merely an increase in routine allowances.

Anti-corruption activists also highlight the lack of transparency in the use of reses funds. They demand a detailed public report covering the activities, participants, and the impact of the reses in each region.

Public Reactions on Social Media

Hashtag #RejectDPRAllowanceIncrease It briefly trended on platform X (formerly Twitter). Thousands of netizens compare the increase in the allowances for members of the DPR with the conditions of workers, honorary teachers, and health workers who are still struggling with low incomes.

"The people are told to save money, but the DPR is throwing an allowances party," wrote one user.

Meanwhile, a rapid survey by a national public opinion institute shows that more than 82 percent of respondents reject the increase in that allowance and consider it "unethical."

Defense by the DPR

On the other hand, a number of members of the House of Representatives are trying to defend this policy. They believe that the increase. Recess allowance It is needed to adjust to inflation and the rising costs of constituency activities in the region.

Argument for Efficiency and Professionalism

One member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives explained that recess activities are not merely ceremonial visits, but also an important part of directly gathering the people's aspirations. They added that "the budget was used for productive activities, including policy discussions, public consultations, and the preparation of regional reports."

However, that explanation is not enough to quell the criticism. Many parties believe that the Indonesian House of Representatives should conduct an open audit so that the public can know the details of how those funds are used.

Demands for Audit and Reform

The Transparency International Indonesia (TII) urges the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) to conduct a thorough audit of the recess funds. They assess the increase. Recess allowance Without strong oversight mechanisms, there is potential for budget misuse.

So far, reses reports have often not been published openly. If allowances rise, oversight must also be strengthened, said one of the researchers from TII.

Impact of Politics and Public Trust

This increase in allowances also has the potential to affect the image of the legislative body, which has long been facing a low level of public trust.

The decline of public trust

The latest survey from the Indonesian Political Indicator Institute shows that the public's trust in the DPR is only 38 percent. This figure is at risk of declining further after the increase issue. Recess allowance emerges.

Political analysts believe that the Indonesian House of Representatives needs to immediately improve public communication and explain the transparency of how funds are used to prevent a deeper legitimacy crisis.

Effects on the upcoming elections

In addition, this policy could also affect public perception ahead of the next election. Political parties whose cadres are actively involved in the decision-making regarding this allowance could experience a decline in electability if they are unable to provide reasonable explanations to the public.

Government Response and Review Efforts

The Ministry of Finance is reportedly reviewing several of the DPR's budget line items as part of an evaluation of government spending. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that "the government supports the efficiency and transparency of the use of the public budget in all agencies."

However, as of the publication of this news, there has not yet been an official decision on whether the increase. Recess allowance The aforementioned provision will be revised or remain in effect starting from the next recess period.

Public Opinion and the Middle Way

Some observers suggest that the DPR consider a performance-based incentive scheme. That means the amount of the recess allowance can be adjusted to reflect the actual results of activities in the region, rather than being distributed uniformly to all members without evaluation.

In addition, the public also hopes that the DPR will publish reses reports online so that the public can directly access information on the use of funds.

increase Recess allowance The DPR has risen to Rp700 million, reopening the long-standing debate about the ethics of using state funds. In the midst of social inequality and economic pressures, such a decision is regarded as insensitive to the people's conditions.

The House of Representatives is expected to immediately improve its transparency and accountability so that public trust does not deteriorate further. For further updates and analysis on Indonesia's fiscal and political policies, readers can follow the latest news on Insemination.