"If the salary of the president and vice president is to be raised, it must be in accordance with the situation. If the economic situation improves, it is okay, but if the situation continues to remain like this, surely, there is no need to increase it," Kalla stated after attending a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture office on Wednesday.
The nominal salary of the president and vice president in Indonesia is much lower than that in several other developing countries.
However, the vice president noted that the net salary received by the president and vice president is still sufficient as it is supported by numerous allowances.
Earlier, the Commission II of the House of Representatives proposed a salary hike for the president and vice president, as their income is still considered far below the salaries given to the directors of state-owned enterprises.
Member of Parliament from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Tagore Abubakar is of the viewpoint that the salary of the president and vice president should be higher than other state officials.
With regard to the proposal, Vice President Kalla humorously said, "Thank You" to the House of Representatives.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
