Legislators, Megawati to discuss Aceh, Maluku
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Legislators were expected to question President Megawati Soekarnoputri about what, if any, concrete steps she would take to resolve the prolonged conflicts that have claimed tens of thousands of lives in Aceh and Maluku, during their consultation meeting on Tuesday.
Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction Ali Masykur Musa said his faction's questions would focus on the current political and security conditions, especially in Aceh and Maluku.
The deteriorating situation in the two regions, he said, had clearly proven that the government was facing difficulties in handling the conflicts.
"The government's commitment to maintaining security and order is questionable. This is why we will focus on the security issue," Ali said, adding that his faction would also question the government's investigation into the recent bombings in numerous regions, including Jakarta.
Jakarta is considering martial law to quell the separatist movement in Aceh while it has set up an independent team to investigate all law violations during the three-year sectarian conflict in Maluku.
Asked about the undeliberated presidency bill, Ali said his faction would also encourage the president to show her commitment to the bill.
Deputy House speaker Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno said that all nine factions would be given an equal chance to air their concerns during the meeting with the president.
Soetardjo refused to specify the agenda of the meeting, but simply said that the legislators would discuss the current economic and political situation.
Golkar's Yahya Zaini said that his faction would likely focus more on the government's effort in economic recovery. He, however, emphasized that security conditions would be another subject.
The consultation meeting that was introduced by President B.J. Habibie in 1998 as a forum to create cohesiveness between the government and the legislators on the latest issues.
It will take place two weeks ahead of the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) where the President will deliver a progress report.
President Megawati, accompanied by her Cabinet ministers are expected to arrive at the House of Representatives (DPR) at 10 a.m.
Ali said that during the meeting his faction would also offer its criticisms of the government for trying to stick with the International Monetary Fund-imposed structural reform.
The legislators, he said, wanted the government to help the average people and the small-businessmen rather than the tycoons and other powerful people who had been embezzling state funds for decades.
Security was beefed up on Monday around the DPR compound.