Ima Dini Shafira, Jakarta – The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) in an official statement on Wednesday condemned the House of Representatives (DPR) over a Rp1.5 billion spending budget on 100 43-inch television sets which will be installed in the offices of the legislators.

PSI spokesperson Kokok Dirgantoro said this decision was a blatant waste of taxpayers' money and is deemed inappropriate due to current economic circumstances.

"This is a waste of the budget at a time when the economy is still struggling. Very ironic. If we monitor the market, the price is far below the DPR's budget, only around Rp4 million to Rp5 million per unit. Meanwhile, the DPR has set a ceiling of Rp15 million [per television unit]," Kokok wrote in the statement on October 5.

In the online DPR procurement plan that is open to the public (SiRUP LKPP), the spending is filed under the name 'procurement of 43-inch LED TV for legislators' offices' with an upper ceiling of Rp1.5 billion. However, this spending package can no longer be found on the website.

"We are talking about taxpayers' money where each and every cent should be spent properly, efficiently, and with accountability," wrote Kokok, who suggested legislators procure local brands that are far cheaper.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1641986/dprs-rp1-5-billion-43-inch-tv-procurement-heavily-criticize