DPR members to be installed on Oct. 1

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie and the leadership of the House of Representatives (DPR) agreed on Wednesday that new members of the House and Indonesia's highest law-making body the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) would be installed on Oct. 1, as originally scheduled.

In a joint press conference with the President after a three- and-a-half-hour "consultation" at Merdeka Palace, House Speaker Harmoko said the decision adhered to the schedule set by the General Elections Commission.

The House also supported Habibie's endorsement of the June 7 poll results as valid, but urged the President to take measures to handle reported irregularities during the elections, Harmoko said.

The new DPR and MPR members elected in the June 7 polls will then draw up their own schedules, including sessions to establish internal rulings, elect leadership and form factions, Harmoko said.

Harmoko did not touch on the schedule for the election of the next president and vice president. Earlier official statements said the presidential election is due to be held in November.

During the meeting, Harmoko was accompanied by his four deputies, who are the faction leaders of the Indonesian Military (TNI), Golkar, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the United Development Party (PPP).

The President was accompanied by his four coordinating ministers including Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Gen. (ret) Feisal Tanjung, Minister of Defense and Security/TNI Commander Gen. Wiranto and Minister of Justice/State Secretary Muladi.

Habibie did not make any opening remarks for journalists, although he answered some of their questions. He appeared surprised when a journalist asked him whether the Bank Bali scandal would adversely affect his chances in the next presidential election.

"It (the Bank Bali scandal) is still being processed in accordance with the prevailing laws by the minister of finance and the Bank Indonesia governor," Habibie replied.

When pressed further about the bank case, Habibie replied: "We conducted this consultation not because we are responding to (press) reports, but because we are proactive in anticipating national problems."

Both Habibie and Harmoko insisted they did not discuss the investigation into former president Soeharto during their consultation, saying it had been discussed in a previous meeting.

The President expressed confidence that he would be able to resolve the sensitive issue at the next MPR General Session.

"Insya Allah (God willing), we will be able to settle it justly and wisely," the President remarked.

Harmoko pointed out the current House had passed 49 bills. He expressed the hope that the DPR would be able to complete deliberations of the bill on the media and the controversial bill on state security and safety. (prb)