'MPR members do not represent the people'

'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