Governments often reveal their true priorities not through speeches, but through budget. Government’s latest decision to increase performance allowances (tunjangan kinerja, or tukin) for the military is a telling example. After public criticism over the policy, the State Secretary insisted that teachers, lecturers, and healthcare workers in remote areas would also receive improved incentives. The statement was clearly intended to soften the perception that the government was favouring the armed forces. To subscribe please click here
