In Jakarta
THERE is cynicism among some circles over the emergence of children of political leaders in the line up of candidates for seats in Parliament. They say that the phenomenon is nepotism, a practice which many Indonesians want to wipe out as part of efforts to reform the country since the fall of Suharto in May 1998.
To them, it is seen as an attempt by the political elite to perpetuate itself in positions of power and influence by getting their children to enter politics. However there are others who don't object as long as the children are being inducted into politics on their own merit.
I agree that merit should be the criterion for the party in compiling its list of candidates. Their performance as legislators for the next five years must be monitored and they should be dropped in the next election if they don't perform.
In the post-Suharto era, everyone feels he has the right to be in politics. Now we have 34 political parties vying for seats in Parliament in the election next year.
Some political families in Indonesia may have children who are intelligent and capable of taking up leadership roles. But there are others too (no need to mention names) whose children are mediocre but who become popular because of their parents.
This aside, many people find the position of MP (minister of parliament) attractive because of the status and the money that go with the job. An MP enjoys many privileges - official car, official residence, stipends for travelling and other allowances apart from drawing a salary of at least 25 million rupiah (S$3,820) a month for five years. It is a lucrative job when compared with other jobs held by professionals who earn between nine and 10 million rupiah a month.
It's no wonder then that the children of Indonesia's current politicians find politics an attractive career.