DPR must not act like Pilate

DPR must not act like Pilate

The recent demonstrations and protests against the increases
in fuel, electricity and telephone charges -- which have led to
knock-on increases in the prices of staple foods and other basic
commodities -- represent a very serious problem.

It is no wonder that many people are seeking the best solution
for dealing with this problem. People's Consultative Assembly
Speaker Amien Rais has also voiced his opinions in this regard.

He has supported the "Caucus to Rescue the Country", which has
been set up by a number of politicians from the House of
Representatives (DPR). He has also proposed that the government
meet with the House to review the recently announced government
policies.

The establishment of this Caucus reflects both House members'
desire for confrontation (with the government) and their efforts
to wash their hands of the problem, loading all the adverse
results of the controversial decisions made by the government and
approved by the House onto the shoulders of the government.

Amien's proposal for a meeting between the House and the
executive sounds rational and acceptable. To blame the Megawati
Soekarnoputri administration alone for the problem is not fair,
as the decision to increase fuel, electricity and telephone
charges was approved by the House before being made public. If
the decision is found to be legally defective, then the House
should also be held responsible for this.

The House should not pretend to have been surprised to hear
about the increases in the price of goods following the hike in
fuel, electricity and telephone charges.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta