DPR and nuclear power law

The House of Representatives (DPR) has ratified the nuclear power bill into law despite the presence of less than 75 House members. We all know that of the 500 House members at least 251 should attend a session in order to meet the quorum. Despite the situation, the chairman of the plenary session said the session was legal because 317 members had signed the attendance list.

As an Indonesian citizen I am very disappointed because the matter of nuclear power concerns the welfare of Indonesia's 200 million inhabitants who are treated with nonsensical talk and a lack of seriousness.

As one among the 200 million Indonesian people I am deeply ashamed because people who have been appointed as the people's representatives have told lies which will be recorded in history.

I have tried to help students develop honesty and integrity. The case of the DPR session is a very bad example indeed. If a student asks a friend to sign the attendance list for him or signs the list himself and is physically absent from a lecture, what can I do? Do I need to ask, "Do you want to imitate our House members?"

What will become of our beloved country and the Indonesian people if our leaders and representatives give less laudable examples?

KRISTI POERWANDARI

Jakarta