Amalia learns the ropes

JAKARTA (JP): Being an Assembly member needs some courage, as Amalia Sianti Wiranto, at 21 the youngest People's Consultative Assembly member, has quickly found out.

Among the "adversities" facing her is learning to cope with a barrage of questions from reporters.

"There are too many questions. One at the time!" Amalia told reporters during a break in the meetings yesterday.

The University of Indonesia student who is in her eighth semester of her law degree said she was very thankful at being given the opportunity to serve her country.

"It's a very rare opportunity to get into the MPR," Amalia, who represents students at the Assembly, said.

Amalia admitted that being the youngest member of the Assembly means she receives a lot of guidance from the senior members. "They give me a lot of directions," she said.

When asked further by a journalist whether she participated in the recent student rally protesting soaring prices, Amalia replied: "At the time, I was involved in Golkar faction activities."

"I respect them because as students, they have to express their point of view and I have no objection as long as they do not disrupt order."

At home Amalia says she never talks politics with her parents -- Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto and mother Uga -- who are also Assembly members. (byg)