Algi Muhamad Gifari, West Bandung – West Bandung Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail has officially canceled the 2025 allowance increases for local lawmakers, reversing a decision he signed on July 23.
The scrapped policy would have raised monthly housing allowances for West Bandung Regional Legislative Council members from Rp 43.52 million to Rp 45.8 million ($2,616 – $2,753). The council chair was set to receive Rp 53 million and the deputy chair Rp 48.7 million.
Transport allowances were also slated for significant increases, with ordinary council members rising from Rp 17.4 million to Rp 23 million per month, while the council chair and deputy chair would have received Rp 29 million and Rp 26 million, respectively.
Jeje said the reversal came after listening to public sentiment and following guidance from the central government to prioritize local budgets for community needs.
"I am announcing that the increase in legislative council allowances has been canceled," Jeje said on Sunday. "In principle, I agree that regional budgets must truly benefit the people. Therefore, spending should focus on priority programs that directly serve the residents of Bandung Barat."
The decision follows weeks of public anger across Indonesia over excessive perks granted to lawmakers. Widespread protests in late August left at least 10 people dead and several regional legislative buildings torched.
In Karawang Regency, however, a similar allowance increase was approved, with housing benefits rising to Rp 52.5 million per month for the council speaker, Rp 50.3 million for deputies, and Rp 48.4 million for members. Previously, the speaker of the Karawang legislature was entitled to only Rp 29.7 million in housing benefits. Transport allowances there were also raised to Rp 28.75 million for the chair, Rp 26.45 million for deputies, and Rp 23 million for members.