Dian Rahma Fika, Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Adies Kadir said the Rp50 million monthly housing allowance for legislators is still reasonable.
He explained that rental prices around the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, start at Rp3 million per month.
According to Adies, the allowance is not only used for housing but also to cover the costs of household assistants and private drivers.
"I think it still makes sense considering their state duties," said the Golkar Party politician at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
He noted that the Rp3 million rent usually only covers a 4x6 meter room, which is too small for a legislator's family along with household staff. For this reason, he estimated that the actual rent for DPR members is higher.
"We can imagine one assistant and one driver who certainly cannot live comfortably in a room that size," Adies said.
Adies added that the allowance is given as compensation because DPR members for the 2024-2029 term do not receive official housing facilities in the Kalibata area, South Jakarta. The allowance, he said, is only provided to DPR members, while DPR leaders continue to receive official residences.
He acknowledged public concerns about the allowance amount and said he would encourage legislators to look for housing with rents around Rp1 million per month. "Maybe one with an outside bathroom or something like that. If it is still considered expensive, then the rent would be Rp3 million," he said.
The Rp50 million allowance has boosted legislators' net income. DPR Commission I member Tubagus Hasanuddin said his net monthly salary can reach Rp100 million, or about Rp2 million per day.
Meanwhile, DPR Secretary General Indra Iskandar explained that the Rp50 million housing allowance was set following discussions with the Ministry of Finance.
"The value was determined based on a study, one of the benchmarks being the housing allowance for members of the Jakarta DPRD," he said on Monday, August 18, 2025.
He clarified that the allowance is given as a lump sum and that legislators are not required to provide detailed accountability for its use.
– Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing this article.