Jakarta – Indonesian newspapers yesterday rapped Jakarta city councillors for going on 'foreign junkets' at a time of economic crisis. Activists agreed that the current visits to Japan and China by 17 councillors, as well as earlier overseas trips, were a waste of taxpayers' money and could amount to corruption.

The current visit is purportedly to study disaster and fire management. "Legislators have many times visited other countries, citing comparative studies as their reason, while the country, notably Jakarta, is in disarray. Traffic jams, fires and crimes are widespread," the Republika daily said in an editorial. "During their visit, however, they spent their time mostly in tourist places in Tokyo and Beijing."

The Media Indonesia daily said the trip, which cost US$37,400 (S$65,400), was "nothing but a junket". "We elected legislators to support good governance but in fact they are busy using state funds for their personal interests," it said.

The Jakarta Post, citing an itinerary, said on Thursday that the schedule included visits to various tourist destinations in China and Japan – including Tokyo's Imperial Palace Gardens, the Great Wall and an acrobatic show. The Post said the itinerary was obtained by a non-governmental organisation from a travel agent organising the tour. The chairman of the Jakarta Residents Forum, Azas Tigor Nainggolan, urged prosecutors to investigate whether the trips amounted to corruption.