Empty seats at the House

The number of canceled meetings at the House of Representatives in recent weeks, due to high absenteeism, has underlined the limited commitment of our legislators to their jobs. And, given the backlog of 40 draft bills that still need to be endorsed, this is good reason for alarm.

The latest meeting on Monday was canceled because more than half of the 479 members of the House were absent, thus delaying the endorsement of Miranda S. Goeltom's appointment as senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia.

Last Thursday, less than one third of 76 committee members of a deliberation body (Bamus) were present. It was not the first time that a Bamus meeting had to be canceled due to the truancy of legislators.

It is true that many of these legislators will not be reelected. Thus, in less than three month's time their presence at the House would not be required. Is their apathy prompted by that overhanging prospect. That would be an unacceptable excuse, born of an intolerable attitude. While they are still on the people's payroll, legislator's attendance is the very least of their duties.

Again, absenteeism resurges against the background of the presidential election campaign, which could potentially sideline the House's lackluster performance. Are we closer to the truth behind their truancy?

Or, perhaps, the reason is more commonplace -- such as the Euro 2004 soccer tournament. While they display a very deep commitment to the game, and are glued to their television sets in the early hours of the morning, such sticking power does not apply their jobs. So, when empty seats are observed at early morning meetings another excuse is cited: After all, this is a soccer crazy nation.

Whatever the reason, the continual absenteeism of legislators is a serious matter. Moreover, it insults the very people whom they are supposed to represent. And what of the institution? At a time when gigantic efforts are needed to salvage the tattered image of the House, such behavior is a slap in the face.

In retrospect, however, absenteeism is not a new affliction of the House. It is a chronic illness that dates back to the days of Soeharto, when the House's function was reduced to that of a rubber stamp, and truant legislators would ask their colleagues to sign the attendance list on their behalf.

Apart from absenteeism, legislators are also notorious for making dubiously sponsored foreign trips. Last week, 15 legislators made a three-day "working visit" to Hong Kong and South Korea to "assess" state oil firm Pertamina's plan to sell two tankers. It is an open secret that sponsors have often used this kind of opportunity to influence legislators into making decisions that are favorable to them.

The House has always been dogged by issues of money politics and corruption. A stigma which clings long after the downfall of Soeharto. In the early years of the so-called reform era, its compound was dubbed a show room for luxury cars as it was there that the very latest models were parked.

Instead of skipping meetings, legislators should use their remaining months to improve their dwindling image. They must work hard to endorse the 40 bills that are awaiting deliberation.

Legislators are, by definition, representatives of the people. If they fail to live up to the people's expectations, then they are a useless lot. It is a high and dignified office that they hold, yet they look upon it with a distinct lack of appreciation.

It is astonishing to observe that most legislators care so little about their jobs. Their sense of crisis is low, while high is their indifference to the urgent problems that have faced the nation these last six years.

Harsh sanctions should be meted out by the House leaders against truant legislators. This culture of absenteeism must be wiped out, once and for all.