Assembly members arrive for Annual Session

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Less than half the members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) have arrived in Jakarta two days before the Assembly's Annual Session begins, while the factions have been intensifying their negotiations to prevent a deadlock on constitutional reform.

MPR media relations officer Aip Suherman said on Tuesday that the 682 Assembly members would stay at the Hotel Mulia throughout the session. The hotel is suited adjacent to the MPR's sprawling complex and is within easy reach.

"Members from the regions are starting to check in ... the others who live in Jakarta are also required to stay at the hotel," Aip said.

The government has allotted Rp 19.5 billion (about US$2.13 million) for the 10-day session. According to Aip, accommodation and supplies for members are likely to be the biggest expenses.

Other expenses include refurbishing the MPR building and facilities, and providing legislators with bags, notepads and other requisites, Antara reported.

Aip said 1,885 reporters, including 156 from overseas, would cover the MPR session, which could turn out to be the last of its kind.

This year's session plans to approve amendments to the 1945 Constitution that would change the MPR's membership composition and strip it of most of its political clout.

The MPR consists of members of the House of Representatives and non-elected members from the functional groups. The constitutional amendment proposals seek to have only elected members in the MPR.

With much at stake for the political parties, lobbying has intensified among the MPR factions to strengthen their positions ahead of official talks next week.

Chairman of the MPR special ad hoc committee for the annual session Alihardi Kiaidemak said the committee had arranged schedules for the factions to conduct internal and inter-faction discussions.

Lobbying would take place in the evening after the closing of formal talks to wrap up unfinished issues and unfreeze positions, he said.

Party members have said they must avoid a deadlock over the constitutional reform talks as this could throw the country into legal limbo or force it to revert to the unamended 1945 Constitution.