Legislators seen to have low productivity

JAKARTA (JP): Despite being more democratically elected and rambunctious in its work, the current legislature is seen to be less qualified and productive than previous ones, a senior observer and politician has said.

Political scientist Arbi Sanit said during a "reunion" of former political activists and ex-political prisoners here on Saturday, "Only one law, which is on the state budget, has been passed by the DPR (the House of Representatives) in six months."

"Legislators still wait for the government's initiative (to make laws) despite having the right to propose one," Arbi told The Jakarta Post.

He asserted that several new laws were urgently needed, particularly those concerning the Supreme Court, police and the Attorney General's Office.

Indonesian Democratic Union Party chairman Sri Bintang Pamungkas charged that compared to previous legislatures under former presidents Soeharto and B.J. Habibie, the current legislature's performance was not only disappointing but also "mad".

"During Soeharto's era, about 10 laws were passed every year. Legislators during Habibie's government passed 60 laws in only 10 months," despite the fact that people did not know and did not participate in them, Sri Bintang said.

Arbi remarked that the legislators' low productivity was, in part, caused by their lack of experience.

"Legislators from most political parties still lack technical competence," Arbi said, while calling on them to "work harder".

Moreover, Arbi said, many party representatives in the House tended to stroll into long and unimportant debates in discussing an issue.

There are 15 political parties represented in the House, with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle taking most of the seats with 153 out of 500.

Arbi also expressed regret at the decision to raise the salary of legislators, which would effectively double their monthly income.

Arbi noted that the House's passiveness has so far been overshadowed by public demonstrations and protests on various issues, such as a corruption case involving Soeharto.

"People should urge the House to be more active," Arbi said.(08)