Long Tail of MPR LCC Controversy Leads to Final Rematch
The final of the Four Pillars of the MPR Smart Quiz Competition in West Kalimantan has had lasting repercussions following an incident where the judges were deemed unfair in their scoring of the team from SMAN 1 Pontianak. The MPR has decided to repeat the final of the Four Pillars of the MPR Smart Quiz Competition in West Kalimantan.
MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani acknowledged shortcomings in the West Kalimantan smart quiz final that led to public criticism. Muzani stated that the decision to repeat the final came after considering all input from the public.
“In the case of West Kalimantan, we express our thanks, and we all understand there were shortcomings, limitations, and oversights in the organisation. Therefore, after listening to that, the leadership took several decisions,” said Muzani during a press conference at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (13/5).
Independent Judges for the Repeated Competition
Muzani said the MPR will announce the date for the smart quiz competition as soon as possible. Additionally, the MPR will involve independent judges in the competition.
“First, the West Kalimantan-level Smart Quiz Competition final will be repeated. The date will be decided as soon as possible,” said Muzani.
“Second, the judges for the Smart Quiz Competition will be independent judges,” he added.
MPR leadership will directly oversee the repeated competition. The MPR expressed thanks to the public for providing notes following the incident involving internal MPR judges and the MC at the event.
“We express our thanks and appreciation to the competition participants who exercised their right to express views, freedom of speech, and to voice protests over their dissatisfaction. We listen to that as a way to train them, to train them to be a good example of democracy,” he stated.
Muzani emphasised the ongoing evaluation of activities organised by the MPR. Public views will be the top priority listened to by the MPR.
“And fifth, we will continue to evaluate and improve MPR activities; today we continue to listen to public views through various media that we hear,” he added.
Smart Quiz Judges Reprimanded
Muzani has called in the two viral smart quiz judges from West Kalimantan. Muzani said the two judges have been reprimanded.
“Done. We called them earlier. We have reprimanded them,” said Muzani.
The MPR has issued a direct apology. Muzani said the apology represented the two judges, Dyastasita and Indri Wahyuni, who are officials at the MPR Secretariat General.
“Yes, the MPR institution has already been conveyed by Mr Secretary General. One of our leaders has issued an apology. So that represents the whole, including the judges, because this is an institutional activity, not an individual one,” he said.
Competition Participant Did Not Expect Such Great Attention
Meanwhile, Josepha Alexandra or Ocha, a female student from SMAN 1 Pontianak who participated in the smart quiz, expressed thanks for the public support. Ocha said the support motivated her to be more enthusiastic and develop further.
“From me and the team, we thank the public for their support and positive aspirations towards us. May this become our spirit and motivation to develop and advance in the future,” said Ocha when met in the Tebet area, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (13/5). Ocha was in Jakarta after fulfilling an invitation from House of Representatives Commission II Chairman Rifqinizamy.
Ocha admitted she was shocked that her smart quiz video went viral. Ocha did not expect the public’s attention towards her to be so great.
“My team and I actually did not expect the attention to be this big, and the video that spread also boomed,” she said.