House factions battle for top posts<\/p>\n
Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Factions in the House of Representatives are drawing up
\nstrategies to snatch top positions in strategic commissions or
\nauxiliary bodies, following the introduction of new guidelines on
\nHouse leadership positions.<\/p>\n
The guidelines, officially approved on Tuesday, pave the way
\nfor changes in the composition of leadership of a House
\ncommission, giving factions a proportional quota for top posts
\nbased on the number of acquired seats.<\/p>\n
At present, the composition for a commission and\/or auxiliary
\nbody is one chairperson and three deputies, most of which are
\noccupied by legislators from major party factions that initially
\nacted as opposition to the current government.<\/p>\n
This composition, which was reached late last year after the
\nHouse members were installed, caused ugly disputes between party
\nfactions. Compromises were made, with factions agreeing to a
\nscheduled review.<\/p>\n
Leading a commission is seen crucial for factions, as the
\nchairperson has relatively more control to publicize and
\nencourage debate on issues being deliberated during a hearing.<\/p>\n
Leaders of a commission also allegedly get more \"compensation\"
\nfrom \"working partners,\" particularly commissions on mining
\n(commission VII), public works\/disadvantaged regions (V), finance
\n(XI) and the now-infamous budgetary commission.<\/p>\n
Under the new guidelines, there will be a single chairperson
\nand four deputies in each commission or body.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the
\nsecond-largest faction, has plans for chairpersons and deputies
\nin all House 16 commissions and auxiliary bodies.<\/p>\n
\"We're targeting Commission III (legal), IV (forestry), V, X
\n(education) and the budgetary committee,\" PDI-P faction secretary
\nJacobus Mayong Padang said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
PDI-P now chairs these commissions, as well as the House
\ninter-parliamentary body (BKSAP) -- members of which frequently
\nholds sessions with foreign parliaments and go abroad.<\/p>\n
But the party is in for a rough battle from the Golkar Party,
\nthe largest party in the House and the support of the current
\ngovernment, which also will get to sit chairpersons in four
\ncommissions and deputies in all commissions and auxiliary bodies.<\/p>\n
\"We expect to have at least one chairperson in commissions on
\npolitics, economics, development and public welfare issues,\"
\nGolkar chairman Andi Mattalatta said. Golkar now chairs seven
\ncommissions and the House disciplinary body.<\/p>\n
Golkar is also seeking the BKSAP chair.<\/p>\n
Third-largest faction the United Development Party (PPP)
\nmeanwhile is set to vie for chairmanships in Commission I
\n(defense\/foreign), II (home affairs), V and VI (industry\/trade).<\/p>\n
The PPP currently has no chair positions in commissions and
\nauxiliary bodies, but will get to install two chairpersons and
\nsix deputies, said PPP faction secretary Endin A.J. Soefihara.<\/p>\n
Commission V is in the media spotlight following allegations
\nits members were allegedly involved in the embezzling the state
\nbudget for disaster relief funds disbursed to the public works
\nministry.<\/p>\n
Another major party, the National Awakening Party (PKB), was
\nalso keen on chair positions in either Commission VI or X,
\nfaction chairman Ali Masykur Musa said.<\/p>\n
Currently chairing two commissions and the legislative body,
\nthe PKB will now only get one chairperson and six deputies posts.<\/p>\n
Starting next week, party factions are likely to fill their
\nthree-week recess with lobbying and negotiations. The new
\ncomposition is scheduled to take effect in 30 days from Tuesday.<\/p>",
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