MPR scolded for its reluctance to end military representation<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI)
\nbecame the latest organization on Friday to criticize the
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for its reluctance to end
\nmilitary and police representation in the legislative body.<\/p>\n
Foundation vice chairman Munir cited the use of ambiguous
\nlanguage about the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s legislative role
\nin the draft amendment to the 1945 Constitution as evidence of
\nthe Assembly's inability to bring the military's political role
\nto an end.<\/p>\n
\"There are strong indications of the revitalization of the New
\nOrder and opportunistic behavior by civilian politicians in the
\nMPR. These will lead to betrayal of the vision and the mission of
\nreform movement,\" Munir said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The statement was also signed by the coordinator of the
\nNational Law Reforms Consortium, Trianto Subiakto.<\/p>\n
The draft amendment states: \"TNI members do not have the right
\nto vote or to be elected. Their participation in determining the
\ndirection of national policies is channeled through the MPR.\"<\/p>\n
Many suspect the draft opens up the possibility for the
\nmilitary to retain its seats in the Assembly because it also
\nstates: \"The Assembly members comprise of elected members and
\ninterest group representatives, who because of their duties and
\nfunctions can not exercise voting rights.\"<\/p>\n
The 1945 Constitution itself does not touch upon the
\nmilitary's political role. The TNI\/National Police faction
\ncurrently has 38 seats in the Assembly.<\/p>\n
The 11 factions in the Assembly have refrained from using
\nstrong words when expressing their views about the issue, despite
\nmounting public demands to abandon military representation in the
\nlegislative body.<\/p>\n
\"The MPR's decision has victimized the principles of democracy
\nand human rights for short-term political interests,\" Munir
\ncommented on the 11 factions' attitude. (prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mpr-scolded-for-its-reluctance-to-end-military-representation-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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