Differences hamper prospects for constitutional commission<\/p>\n
Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
In an unlikely agreement, non-governmental organizations
\n(NGOs), the military and various political parties have demanded
\nthat a commission take over constitutional reform talks from the
\nlegislature. But differences over what the commission should do
\nhave weakened its chances of materializing.<\/p>\n
The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session is
\nentering its second day, with, as its main agenda, concluding the
\nfour-year-long amendment to the 1945 Constitution.<\/p>\n
During the 10-day session, legislators will have to unite
\nseemingly unbridgeable differences on changes in the
\nConstitution, with some rejecting the amendment entirely. Concern
\nover deadlock befalling the 700-strong Assembly is strong.<\/p>\n
Outside, public support behind the amendment is waning,
\nwith critics accusing party politicking of damaging the new
\nConstitution's credibility.<\/p>\n
Some analysts have noted the difficulties of uniting reform-
\nminded legislators with those viewing the 1945 Constitution as
\nsacred. The result was liable to criticism, they said.<\/p>\n
NGOs under the Coalition for a New Constitution, political
\nscientists and the military have joined ranks to call for a
\ncommission to take over the amendment.<\/p>\n
Political parties, such as the Indonesian Democratic Party of
\nStruggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the National Awakening Party (PKB)
\nhave produced similar ideas, as several lawmakers have done in
\nprivate.<\/p>\n
But these calls are divided over the purpose of the
\ncommission. The coalition demands a new constitution, while the
\nmilitary and political parties say the commission must only iron
\nout inconsistencies arising from earlier amendments.<\/p>\n
Coalition NGOs call for an independent commission with full
\nauthority to draw up a new constitution, an arrangement whereby
\nthe MPR's endorsement would merely be a formality.<\/p>\n
Parties and the military reject a new constitution and insist
\nthe MPR should have the final say on any changes to the
\nConstitution.<\/p>\n
With such a lack of common ground, neither the government nor
\nthe MPR foresee a tidal wave emanating from calls for a
\ncommission.<\/p>\n
\"We cannot rush into forming a commission; perhaps by 2004,
\nfor example,\" Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno was quoted as
\nsaying by Antara on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said
\nthe commission had no legal basis and could only advise the MPR.<\/p>\n
Assembly Speaker Amien Rais expressed optimism that the MPR
\nsession would produce an amended Constitution acceptable to all
\nfactions.<\/p>\n
House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung agreed with
\nthe military that in a deadlock at the MPR, Indonesia had better
\nreturn to the 1945 Constitution.<\/p>\n
While such a move might prevent a constitutional crisis, it
\nwould deal a blow to the reform movement, which seeks to balance
\nthe power of the government and the legislature through a new
\nconstitution.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/differences-hamper-prospects-for-constitutional-commission-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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