MPR Annual Session

MPR Annual Session

From Pikiran Rakyat

What is so special about the current Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)? Through their representatives in the legislative body, people have heard the progress report of the present cabinet composed and signed by President Abdurrahman Wahid. I wonder what makes it different from old annual sessions and presidential reports during the New Order? (government of Indonesia from 1965 to 1998).

I'm referring to the 1945 Constitution of this Republic saying that the president is not the only care-taker of the country, and Act No.28 of 1999 during former president B.J. Habibie's administration which stipulates the same thing. Accordingly, I personally want to express my hope that the current Annual Session will not turn into some kind of trial let alone trial by the MPR, meaning making the President the accused person.

I am of the opinion that, in view of the above two laws, to prove to the people that this country is being taken care of also by the state's highest institutions, it would be better and highly appreciated if these institutions like the Supreme Court (MA) and the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) also present their progress reports before the MPR. I am sure if this is done, people will (i) have more trust not only in the President but also the government and (ii) support and cooperate with the government in developing this country.

T. MOEL

Bandung