Has the MPR absorbed people's wishes?<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Members of the People's Consultative Assembly
\n(MPR) deliberating amendments to the 1945 Constitution denied on
\nFriday allegations that their work lacked transparency.<\/p>\n
Contacted separately by The Jakarta Post, they said the MPR ad
\nhoc committee I for constitutional amendments had done its best
\nand accommodated as many people's aspirations as possible.<\/p>\n
\"I don't think those groups protesting know that we have
\ntraveled around the country to absorb ideas from local
\nbureaucrats, academics and activists during our nine-month
\ntenure,\" said Valina Singka Subekti of the interest groups
\nfaction.<\/p>\n
\"We held hearings with more than 200 organizations from
\nvarious backgrounds. We also organized national seminars on
\nconstitutional amendments.\"<\/p>\n
Several groups have protested the amendment drafts, saying
\nthey need improvement by including their advice or removing some
\narticles.<\/p>\n
The Nusantara Indigenous People's Alliance (AMAN), for
\nexample, has demanded that the Constitution provides protection
\nfor and pays attention to indigenous people.<\/p>\n
One of the controversies is an article that maintains the
\npresence of Indonesian Military and National police officers in
\nthe Assembly despite the legislative body's decree stipulating a
\ngradual phaseout of the nonelected Assembly members representing
\nthe military and police.<\/p>\n
Valina said it was important to compromise on sensitive
\narticles.<\/p>\n
Slamet Effendy Yusuf of the Golkar Party faction also defended
\nthe MPR ad hoc committee, which he said had completed its duties
\nsatisfactorily.<\/p>\n
\"The ad hoc committee visited all provinces to look for
\nregional aspirations. We also invited scientific and professional
\norganizations to absorb their ideas,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I have to admit, however, that perhaps there are discontented
\nparties, especially those who were not involved in the drafting
\nprocess. But we could not involve them all,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Slamet said it was natural if people were disappointed for not
\nbeing involved in the drafting of constitutional amendments.<\/p>\n
\"But it's all wrong if they think their absence in the process
\nhas made the amendments invalid,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I don't think those protesting groups understand the nature
\nof our job in the committee, or have ever even paid a little bit
\nof attention to what we have done.\"<\/p>\n
Separately, Dimyati Hartono of the Indonesian Democratic Party
\nof Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said although aspirations could be
\naccommodated, it was another story whether to write them in.<\/p>\n
\"We can't just take all aspirations into consideration while
\nwe are amending the constitution. We have to select which
\naspirations deserve attention,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said the Assembly should not make unnecessary changes to
\nthe Constitution. (nvn)<\/p>",
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