Indonesia had cancelled the purchase of luxury Mercedes Benz cars for the upcoming cabinet members, following public criticism over the expense, the government said today.

Local supplier PT Mercedes-Benz Indonesia had won a tender off the current government for 92 billion rupiah (US$7.7 million) to supply cars for ministers and other top officials of the incoming administration of president-elect Joko Widodo, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said last week.

But the news was met with public criticism of the government’s perceived splurging as millions are struggling in poverty.

“In line with public aspirations, the State Secretariat decided that the procurement of official cars for the ministers and ministerial-level officials will not be continued,” the ministry said online.

Joko, who will be sworn in on Oct 20, weighed in after the outcry, saying that his ministers did not need new cars.

“I said let’s use the old cars because they are still in good condition,” he was quoted as saying by local media Tuesday.

The cabinet ministers currently use Toyota Crown Royal Saloons, bought five years ago for 1.2 billion rupiah each, according to the government.

At that time the purchase also drew public criticism.

State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said the Mercedes sedans were actually cheaper than the Toyotas, though he did not say how much each cost.     

The president-elect has a reputation for eschewing many of the trappings of power. In his current role as governor of Jakarta, he has been seen riding a bicycle to work.

- dpa