MPR scolded for its reluctance to end military representation

MPR scolded for its reluctance to end military representation

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI)
became the latest organization on Friday to criticize the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for its reluctance to end
military and police representation in the legislative body.

Foundation vice chairman Munir cited the use of ambiguous
language about the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s legislative role
in the draft amendment to the 1945 Constitution as evidence of
the Assembly's inability to bring the military's political role
to an end.

"There are strong indications of the revitalization of the New
Order and opportunistic behavior by civilian politicians in the
MPR. These will lead to betrayal of the vision and the mission of
reform movement," Munir said in a statement.

The statement was also signed by the coordinator of the
National Law Reforms Consortium, Trianto Subiakto.

The draft amendment states: "TNI members do not have the right
to vote or to be elected. Their participation in determining the
direction of national policies is channeled through the MPR."

Many suspect the draft opens up the possibility for the
military to retain its seats in the Assembly because it also
states: "The Assembly members comprise of elected members and
interest group representatives, who because of their duties and
functions can not exercise voting rights."

The 1945 Constitution itself does not touch upon the
military's political role. The TNI/National Police faction
currently has 38 seats in the Assembly.

The 11 factions in the Assembly have refrained from using
strong words when expressing their views about the issue, despite
mounting public demands to abandon military representation in the
legislative body.

"The MPR's decision has victimized the principles of democracy
and human rights for short-term political interests," Munir
commented on the 11 factions' attitude. (prb)