Some members of the Indonesian House called on their fellow members to donate some of their salaries to help the handling of coronavirus outbreak. That action needs to be taken given the fact that the new coronavirus cases continue to grow with 1.414 confirmed cases nationwide as of today. This will also show the people that the House cares about this difficult situation.

Member of Commission I Nurul Arifin made the proposal at today’s plenary meeting that commence the Third Sitting Period of the 2019-2020 Session Year. “I hope we can promote social, national solidarity to address these difficult challenges which we cannot predict when they will be over,” said Arifin at Nusantara Building of the House Complex, Jakarta, Monday (30/3/2020).

With the emergency protocol for Covid-19 prevention and physical distancing measures are in place, the plenary meeting was held virtually. Forty-five members attended the meeting in person while another 297 members were present virtually. Speaker Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani presided over the meeting, accompanied by three vice speakers M. Azis Syamsuddin, Rachmat Gobel, and Muhaimin Iskandar.

Arifin invites all of the House Members to take part in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. "I would like to personally invite you all to fight together in this difficult situation by giving at least half of our pay to help people who are suffering during this time of grieving,” the Golkar Politician said.

The proposal was supported by Deputy Chair of Commission II of the Indonesian House, Saan Mustopa. He suggested to the House Leaders to disseminate the cut pay policy to each faction of the House as of April 2020.

“It is important as the implementation of gotong-royong (the spirit of cooperation) principle and our concern for thepandemic that we are facing. We suggest that the House Leaders initiate the pay cut will be made per April,” said the NasDem Party politician when delivering his interruption.

Similarly, a Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal stated that as a form of social protection, the National Awakening Party Faction (F-PKB) are willing to give half of their salaries to help people affected by the Covid-19. He went on and said that the party would give its full support to the government in mitigating the Covid-19 outbreak.

“In this difficult time, all parties will certainly show their support by contributing a half of their salaries to help the the people affected by Covid-19. It’s how the Indonesian House can take part to create social safety net both for their own constituents and the public in general. The most important thing is, after the opening session, F-PKB will support every measure taken by the government. We will provide the government with the regulations they need,” he added.

In response to all the suggestions, Puan who presided the Plenary Session, immediately gave her response. She said that the suggestions on MPs’ salary cut will be submitted to each Party. “Those suggestions will be followed up by each Party,” said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle politician concluding her remarks. (ann/sf)