It must be acknowledged that we are lagging in the development of\ndecentralisation and regional autonomy.<\/p>\n
Jakarta (ANTARA) - I Wayan Sudirta, a member of the MPR RI Study\nBody, has emphasised the importance of a thorough evaluation of the\nimplementation of decentralisation and regional autonomy in Indonesia to\nensure it can meet future development challenges.<\/p>\n
He believes that an evaluation is necessary by observing the\ndevelopment of decentralisation in dozens of countries that are actually\ncontinuing to strengthen the position of local governments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt must be acknowledged that we are lagging in developing\ndecentralising and regional autonomy,\u201d Wayan stated in a briefing in\nJakarta on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He made these remarks after attending a Focus Group Discussion (FGD)\nfor Group III of the MPR RI Study Body, titled Decentralisation,\nRegional Autonomy, Local Government, and Villages, in Surabaya, East\nJava, on Monday (31\/8).<\/p>\n
He explained that Indonesia cannot immediately conclude that current\ndecentralisation practices have failed, but existing dynamics indicate a\nneed to evaluate the design of central-regional relations.<\/p>\n
For this reason, the MPR RI Study Body is organising FGDs in various\nregions to gather input from academics and experts regarding the\neffectiveness of the current system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it still competent, is our constitution still appropriate? Or\nperhaps some parts are still good, but other parts may now need to be\nquestioned,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The member of Commission III of the DPR RI reminded that Indonesia\nadheres to the principle of a \u2018living constitution\u2019\u2014one that lives and\nevolves according to the demands of the era.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, if there are things that we still need to maintain, then\nwe maintain them. But if refinement is needed, why shouldn\u2019t we do it?\u201d\nsaid Wayan.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he revealed that discussions on decentralisation are not\nlimited to the division of power, but must also encompass the position\nof villages, the role of governors, and central-regional financial\nrelations. Regarding the debate over regional election mechanisms,\nwhether direct or through the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD),\nhe stated, \u201cThe discussion will continue to be conducted\nobjectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
Specifically, Wayan highlighted one important issue for Indonesia,\nnamely the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) as a reference for national\ndevelopment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe PPHN addresses both short-term and long-term development, as\nwell as national and regional interests,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Wayan exemplified that without a clear national framework, the\nprogrammes of hundreds of regional heads could potentially lack\ncontinuity during leadership transitions. The presence of the PPHN\nserves as a framework to ensure the direction of development across all\nlevels of government remains aligned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoever becomes the president, whoever the governor, regent, or\nmayor, they must adhere to the state guidelines,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He is optimistic that leadership operating within the corridor of\nstate guidelines will accelerate the achievement of national goals.\nAccording to Wayan, development continuity is the primary key to\nentering a new era.<\/p>\n
Regarding the continuation of PPHN discussions, Wayan dismissed\nnotions of a deadlock. He explained that the MPR RI Study Body has\ncompleted an in-depth study, which will subsequently be communicated by\nthe MPR leadership to state institutions and the government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope that the in-depth study receives a positive response. And\nthen there is a follow-up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Wayan also urged the government not to hesitate to open space for\nconstitutional amendments if necessary, provided they are conducted in a\nlimited manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven an amendment, if indeed required, is a normal thing. We just\nneed to frame what kind of amendments they are, so that these amendments\ndo not wander, expand, or become uncontrolled,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In closing, he invited all parties to discuss these constitutional\nissues rationally and to set aside excessive political fears, as the\ncommitment to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is\ndeeply rooted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no need to be afraid; there must be courage,\u201d he\nconcluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mpr-study-body-emphasises-importance-of-decentralisation-evaluation-1788311579", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }