Managing the state<\/p>\n
From Gatra<\/p>\n
I would like to comment on the interview with Kwik Kian Gie
\nand Mubyarto published in Gatra (May 17). I think members of the
\nHouse of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly
\nshould understand the major thoughts contained in the interview.
\nWe are concerned about the question of whether or not the
\ninstruments deployed for managing our state are adequate. In this
\ncase, I would like to share my ideas with legislators.<\/p>\n
The polemics on capitalism between Kwik Kian Gie and Mubyarto
\nas reported in the media is indeed very interesting. It examined
\narticle 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which stipulates that the
\nland, water and air are \"controlled by the state\". Some people
\nhave a different interpretation of the phrase \"controlled by the
\nstate\". We can conclude that there are still many issues that
\nhave to be solved by the assembly. Our fundamental task is to
\nspell out all articles of the constitution to avoid controversial
\ninterpretations.<\/p>\n
One other crucial thing, in my opinion, is the fact that the
\nhigh state institutions and the supreme institutions are not
\nclearly defined. A duplication of function is still prevalent.
\nAnother fact is that control over the government's performance
\nseems to be ineffective.<\/p>\n
My suggestion is to make the assembly function according to
\nthe original ideal, i.e. as a place to hold dialog among the
\nmajor national forces -- political groups, provincial
\nrepresentatives and professionals.<\/p>\n
Members of the political groups should be elected and not
\nappointed by the government. The legislators' main job is to make
\nlaws to be used as guidelines for executives in carrying out
\ntheir task. It is time Golkar was sincere in calling itself a
\npolitical group.<\/p>\n
Provincial representatives include the elected councils from
\nthroughout the country. Their numbers must be balanced with those
\nof the House of Representatives. This will ensure that a region
\nwith a small population has a small number of representatives.
\nThe regional council has the task of making regulations to be
\nused as guidelines for the local administration. This is
\ncurrently not the situation. The provincial representatives
\nconsist of dignitaries plus individuals appointed by the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
Professionals include farmers, fishermen, teachers, civil
\nservants, the Armed Forces, etc. Their number is also balanced
\nwith that of other groups. The assembly must not only meet once
\nevery five years, with the single purpose of electing its
\nmandatory as has always been the practice. Instead, the body
\nshould meet more often and focus its attention on the control of
\nthe executives' performances. If necessary, a working body could
\nbe set up.<\/p>\n
This system will hopefully accommodate people's aspirations,
\ndemocracy will flourish, and the government will be restricted
\nfrom intervening in the job beyond its frame of responsibility.
\nThe Armed Forces should also stand above all groups, instead of
\ngiving their support to a certain political party.<\/p>\n
SIDARTA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/managing-the-state-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }