'MPR members do not represent the people'

The 700 members of the People's Consultative Assembly are now busy with their agenda during the 10-day Annual Assembly. They come from different areas all over the country and are supposed to represent the people at the highest state body. But several people told The Jakarta Post the legislators only represent their own or their group's interest.

Edi, 27, comes from Pekanbaru, Riau and lives in a makeshift hut in a slum in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, with his 14-year- old wife, Apriyani. They make a living as scavengers and have a three-month-old son who stays with Apriyani's father in Bandung:

Members of the People's Consultative Assembly are called the people's representatives, but in fact they don't represent the people. They only represent their own personal or group interests.

So, what are they fighting for and for whom? They are able to sit inside that grand building because of the poor people who supported them during the campaign.

But, look how they treat the poor. They don't even acknowledge our existence. They forget our sweat and blood, which contributed to their success in garnering votes.

My wife says they have big mouths but lack real action.

Topan, 29, is a vendor who sells soybean milk. He has lived in Kota Bambu, West Jakarta, for 12 years. After graduating from elementary school in Sukabumi, West Java, he left for Jakarta to make a living:

I don't know who they (the MPR members) are or what they are doing now.

I just know what people say, that they are legislators who should promote our rights. Is that true?

They are our representatives, but in fact they never fight for our fate. One thing is for sure, my life has not improved. It's just the same; I am just a vendor.

So, what are they fighting for now?

Dahlia, 18, is a senior high school graduate who is still looking for a job. She resides in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta with her family:

I don't really think that they struggle for the poor people. What is the proof?

They do nothing but allow the prices of all basic needs including fuel, electricity, water and telecommunication services to rise.

Of course, the poor people suffer the most. They (MPR members) are just sitting and hearing, but not listening, and getting plenty of money that belongs to the poor people.

The legislators have ignored the hardship of the lower income people.

Joko, 25, is currently selling beverages to demonstrators near the People's Consultative Assembly building. He comes from Sragen, Central Java, and lives in Juraganan, South Jakarta:

I think the Annual Session is useless as it never results in any changes. Besides, I never feel that the legislators represent our ideas or suggestions. So, what is the session for?

I wonder why it seems so difficult for them just to voice the aspirations of the people. The poor people's needs are so simple. We need affordable prices for all our basic needs and a peaceful life. That's all!

But, they cannot fight for our benefit, not even for the smallest thing we badly need.

They have all broken their own promises to prioritize the poor. They used to shout slogans during their campaigns that they would surely help improve the lives of the poor.

It's obvious now that they are talking nonsense as there is no real action.

-- Leo S. Wahyudi