DPR Deputy Speaker Asserts Parliamentary Oversight Functions Remain Robust

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Saan Mustopa, stated that the mechanism of mutual supervision and balance, or check and balances, as one of the DPR’s duties as a legislative institution, remains operational. “Check and balances are still running. For example, regarding public complaints about government policies and programmes, they are addressed and criticised in the relevant commissions,” Saan said when met at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Monday. He cited the DPR’s reception of student protesters last week who voiced their opinions on the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. He noted that the government accommodated the public’s input. “Like on Friday (19 June), when the DPR received students and the Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) conveyed that they are currently reorganising the governance of the MBG,” he said. Similarly, Saan continued, regarding the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices (BBM). The DPR immediately connected the protesting students who criticised the policy with the relevant ministry. “When students questioned that issue, they were immediately connected with the government, with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, and Mr Bahlil also conveyed his commitment to answer the demands of the people voiced by the students and other groups,” he said. According to him, the DPR has carried out its function as an institution representing public interests. He also stated that the government is committed to paying attention to the people’s aspirations. “And of course, the DPR will try to oversee that commitment,” he said. The form of oversight referred to by Saan is through working meetings within the council’s complementary bodies. Regarding the issue of fuel price increases, Saan mentioned that Commission XII of the DPR is currently overseeing the policies of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. “Regarding the MBG, the Head of BGN has conveyed the reorganisation of its governance along with its derivatives, and all of that has listened to various inputs from the public,” he said. “Once again, the DPR will continue to strive to oversee the government’s commitments while also conveying the issues that exist in society,” Saan concluded.