'MPR members do not represent the people'<\/p>\n
The 700 members of the People's Consultative Assembly are now
\nbusy with their agenda during the 10-day Annual Assembly. They
\ncome from different areas all over the country and are supposed
\nto represent the people at the highest state body. But several
\npeople told The Jakarta Post the legislators only represent their
\nown or their group's interest.<\/p>\n
Edi, 27, comes from Pekanbaru, Riau and lives in a makeshift
\nhut in a slum in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, with his 14-year-
\nold wife, Apriyani. They make a living as scavengers and have a
\nthree-month-old son who stays with Apriyani's father in Bandung:<\/p>\n
Members of the People's Consultative Assembly are called the
\npeople's representatives, but in fact they don't represent the
\npeople. They only represent their own personal or group
\ninterests.<\/p>\n
So, what are they fighting for and for whom? They are able to
\nsit inside that grand building because of the poor people who
\nsupported them during the campaign.<\/p>\n
But, look how they treat the poor. They don't even acknowledge
\nour existence. They forget our sweat and blood, which contributed
\nto their success in garnering votes.<\/p>\n
My wife says they have big mouths but lack real action.<\/p>\n
Topan, 29, is a vendor who sells soybean milk. He has lived in
\nKota Bambu, West Jakarta, for 12 years. After graduating from
\nelementary school in Sukabumi, West Java, he left for Jakarta to
\nmake a living:<\/p>\n
I don't know who they (the MPR members) are or what they are
\ndoing now.<\/p>\n
I just know what people say, that they are legislators who
\nshould promote our rights. Is that true?<\/p>\n
They are our representatives, but in fact they never fight for
\nour fate. One thing is for sure, my life has not improved. It's
\njust the same; I am just a vendor.<\/p>\n
So, what are they fighting for now?<\/p>\n
Dahlia, 18, is a senior high school graduate who is still
\nlooking for a job. She resides in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta
\nwith her family:<\/p>\n
I don't really think that they struggle for the poor people.
\nWhat is the proof?<\/p>\n
They do nothing but allow the prices of all basic needs
\nincluding fuel, electricity, water and telecommunication services
\nto rise.<\/p>\n
Of course, the poor people suffer the most. They (MPR members)
\nare just sitting and hearing, but not listening, and getting
\nplenty of money that belongs to the poor people.<\/p>\n
The legislators have ignored the hardship of the lower income
\npeople.<\/p>\n
Joko, 25, is currently selling beverages to demonstrators near
\nthe People's Consultative Assembly building. He comes from
\nSragen, Central Java, and lives in Juraganan, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think the Annual Session is useless as it never results in
\nany changes. Besides, I never feel that the legislators represent
\nour ideas or suggestions. So, what is the session for?<\/p>\n
I wonder why it seems so difficult for them just to voice the
\naspirations of the people. The poor people's needs are so simple.
\nWe need affordable prices for all our basic needs and a peaceful
\nlife. That's all!<\/p>\n
But, they cannot fight for our benefit, not even for the
\nsmallest thing we badly need.<\/p>\n
They have all broken their own promises to prioritize the
\npoor. They used to shout slogans during their campaigns that they
\nwould surely help improve the lives of the poor.<\/p>\n
It's obvious now that they are talking nonsense as there is no
\nreal action.<\/p>\n
-- Leo S. Wahyudi<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mpr-members-do-not-represent-the-people-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }