Ezra Sihite – The House of Representatives (DPR) budget committee approved a Rp 500 billion ($500 million) budget on Monday for maintenance of parliament buildings this year.

The figure was lower than the Rp 800 billion budget previously proposed by the House secretariat-general, committee deputy head Tamsil Linrung said.

Part of the allocated funds will finance renovation projects of the parliament complex, including one project that carries a price tag of Rp 20 billion.

Tamsil stopped short, however, of explaining what that particular project entailed, explaining that he was not aware of the details. The renovation work is nearly 90 percent complete, said the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician.

The House has come under fire in recent years for lavish budgets. Critics alleged the body has used funds for not only costly new construction and maintenance, but also for trips abroad. High profile graft cases also eroded public trust.