DENPASAR ~ Members of the Bali parliament are to see their monthly salaries rise by almost 50 percent for 2007, to around Rp21 million (US$2,308), the speaker of the house said this week.

Up to now, the average salary for the lawmakers was some Rp15 million per month.

The salary hike was part of the government’s 2007 financial plan and in line with central government regulations, said parliament speaker Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa after a meeting with house members and Governor Dewa Beratha.

“This increase is an adjustment in accordance with (Jakarta) government regulations, under which we are obliged to work,” he said.

For this year, Bali’s income is projected at Rp1.2 trillion, said Wesnawa. (BT/SR)