MPR shortens session, saves Rp 6b<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
A plenary session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
\nagreed on Sunday to cut short its annual session from 10 days to
\nseven, a move that could save the state budget around Rp six
\nbillion (US$700,000).<\/p>\n
The Assembly secretariat had allocated Rp 20 billion for the
\nevent.<\/p>\n
With this decision, the Assembly now hopes to conclude its
\ncurrent annual meeting on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The decision also prompted legislators to adjust the timetable
\nand reduce the time allocated for debates within the Assembly's
\nthree commissions.<\/p>\n
Each faction would also have to shorten the time to prepare
\nits input or proposals during the meeting on each commission.<\/p>\n
The decision to cut short the session was apparently taken in
\nresponse to public criticism that the Assembly session was a
\nwaste of time and money.<\/p>\n
The public has shown little interest in the session as there
\nare few important issues the Assembly has on its agenda this
\ntime.<\/p>\n
Assembly secretary-general Rahimullah said on Sunday that the
\ndecision to shorten the Annual Session would save the state some
\nRp 6 billion in hotel accommodation, meals and administration
\ncosts.<\/p>\n
According to Rahimullah, the money would be returned to the
\nstate's coffers.<\/p>\n
During the plenary session attended by 436 of 700 Assembly
\nmembers, the legislators also agreed to set up three commissions
\nthat would deal with the Constitutional Commission, revocation of
\noutdated Assembly decrees and the revision of internal
\nregulations of the Assembly and suggestions to the President and
\nstate institutions.<\/p>\n
Later on Sunday, Assembly members dispersed to their
\nrespective commissions to discuss the topics assigned to them.<\/p>\n
Jacob Tobing of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
\n(PDI Perjuangan) was appointed to chair Commission A, dealing
\nwith the Constitutional Commission.<\/p>\n
Commission B, dealing with revocation of Assembly decrees, was
\nchaired by Rambe Kamarulzaman of the Golkar Party.<\/p>\n
Barlianta Harahap, a veteran politician from the United
\nDevelopment Party (PPP), was appointed to chair Commission C to
\ndiscuss the Assembly's internal regulations and suggestions to
\nthe President and state institutions.<\/p>",
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