Assembly members arrive for Annual Session

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.