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