Legislators complain about bills

JAKARTA (JP): The two minority party factions in the House of Representatives renewed their complaints yesterday over the flood of bills they have to deliberate before the end of their term.

Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction spokesman B.N. Marbun told a plenary meeting yesterday that as time was running out the House had no choice but to endorse every bill submitted by the government.

"It seems to us that government officials did not coordinate properly before submitting the bills.

"This could give the impression that the government has offered the House a fait accompli. It would be much worse if the House passes the bills without sufficient deliberations," Marbun said while delivering the PDI's overview of bills on mobilization, military tribunals, military discipline and the national police.

Marbun said that his faction warmly welcomed the four bills, but was curious whether the House would complete discussions on the bills which altogether comprise 422 clauses.

The House's current session ends before the electoral campaign period on April 27 and resumes in early June after the general election. The legislators are expected to endorse 20 more bills before completing their five-year terms on Sept. 30.

Marbun reminded the government of the 1992 Traffic Law which received a harsh reaction from the public. The government was forced to delay the enforcement of the law for 12 months.

United Development Party (PPP) faction spokesman Zarkasih Nur said that the House would have to flex its muscles in the remaining few months.

"We are deliberating the four bills on defense and security affairs and other ones, including five bills on taxes, at the same time," Zarkasih said.

Armed Forces faction legislator Hari Sabarno opted to search for a settlement rather than to raise complaints.

"This is the situation we have to face. Complaints will not solve the problems," he said.

He said the House had enough time to complete the deliberations of the 20 bills if each faction delegated members to master individual bills.

"Even a faction with a small number of personnel can work on some bills at the same time if it organizes an effective distribution of human resources," he said.

Hari suggested that, in the next five-year period, the government draws up a plan which ensures a balanced distribution of bills.

"There should not be a situation when legislators have too great a burden at some times and are virtually unemployed at another times," he said. (amd)