Agus Triyono – Indonesian politicians have been blasted for wasting almost Rp 85 billion on "insignificant activities," including ceremonies and official visits in 2011.

The Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (Fitra) said the House of Representatives (DPR) had wasted Rp 34 billion and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Rp 51 billion, or a total of Rp 85 billion ($9.35 million).

Uchok Sky Khadafi, the budget watchdog's advocacy coordinator, said the DPR figure included hospitality for local and foreign guests, as well as the heavily criticized official trips that have been previously criticized as lavish junkets.

"Fitra demands government institutions such as the [People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)], DPD and DPR to minimize their budget for less significant activities; we want them to allocate the budget for activities that would benefit the people more," Uchok said.