DPD told to heed wishes of regions<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Conductor Addie MS walked through the hall, holding his cell
\nphone as the popular Twilite Orchestra readied for its first
\nperformance ever at the People's Consultative Assembly\/House of
\nRepresentatives main plenary hall.<\/p>\n
It was not the main attraction.<\/p>\n
All eyes were on the hundreds of state officials, including
\nPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf
\nKalla, who were dressed in traditional batik attire.<\/p>\n
But beyond that, Tuesday's Regional Representatives Council
\n(DPD) plenary was a landmark in Indonesia's political history,
\nalthough it had earlier sparked controversy.<\/p>\n
It was the first time for an Indonesian president to address
\nthe DPD, which was established only late last year, on regional
\ndevelopment policies. The council said the plenary would be an
\nannual event from now on.<\/p>\n
The DPD was formed in line with the latest amendment to the
\n1945 Constitution, in the spirit of a bicameral political system.<\/p>\n
Its members are directly elected and each province is entitled
\nto four representatives.<\/p>\n
Despite its mandate, DPD's authority -- if providing
\nrecommendations is one -- is limited to policies related to
\nregional issues. Therefore, DPD since its inception has demanded
\nconstitutional amendments that will provide it with more powers.<\/p>\n
Tuesday's plenary was a face-saving solution to the latest
\nargument between the DPD and the House. The DPD had wanted a
\nseparate session to hear the President's annual budget speech,
\nwhich normally is made in front of the House on Aug. 16.<\/p>\n
The House insisted on holding a joint session, while the DPD
\nstood firm by its request to have its own forum with the
\nPresident. Both cited the same article in the amended
\nConstitution which stipulates that the DPD provides
\nrecommendations to the House regarding the state budget.<\/p>\n
The government agreed to appear before the DPD albeit not to
\naddress the state budget, but rather government policies on
\noptimizing development in the regions, particularly the conflict-
\nprone and less-developed ones.<\/p>\n
DPD Speaker Ginandjar Kartasasmita said on Tuesday the event,
\nwhich was attended by governors and regional legislative
\nspeakers, was to provide a national forum where these local
\nleaders could hear the central government's plan for development
\nin regions.<\/p>\n
\"This is to put all development work on a parallel track, and
\nto ensure a synergy in the interests of all stakeholders through
\nholistic development policies,\" he said.<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in his speech that the
\ngovernment expected to see an active and constructive role from
\nthe DPD.<\/p>\n
The existence of the DPD to represent regional interests, he
\nsaid, could not be separated from the aspiration of all people
\nthat the administration does not take a centralistic role and
\ngives equal opportunity to the regions to develop themselves.<\/p>\n
\"It would not be easy to channel the aspirations of our
\nregions that are highly pluralistic. However, imbued with
\nperseverance, prudence and a wise and judicious attitude, I'm
\nconfident that we'll be able to fulfill the regional
\naspirations,\" said Susilo.<\/p>\n
Regional autonomy -- Page 4<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dpd-told-to-heed-wishes-of-regions-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }