MPR shortens session, saves Rp 6b

MPR shortens session, saves Rp 6b

Kurniawan Hari
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta

A plenary session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
agreed on Sunday to cut short its annual session from 10 days to
seven, a move that could save the state budget around Rp six
billion (US$700,000).

The Assembly secretariat had allocated Rp 20 billion for the
event.

With this decision, the Assembly now hopes to conclude its
current annual meeting on Thursday.

The decision also prompted legislators to adjust the timetable
and reduce the time allocated for debates within the Assembly's
three commissions.

Each faction would also have to shorten the time to prepare
its input or proposals during the meeting on each commission.

The decision to cut short the session was apparently taken in
response to public criticism that the Assembly session was a
waste of time and money.

The public has shown little interest in the session as there
are few important issues the Assembly has on its agenda this
time.

Assembly secretary-general Rahimullah said on Sunday that the
decision to shorten the Annual Session would save the state some
Rp 6 billion in hotel accommodation, meals and administration
costs.

According to Rahimullah, the money would be returned to the
state's coffers.

During the plenary session attended by 436 of 700 Assembly
members, the legislators also agreed to set up three commissions
that would deal with the Constitutional Commission, revocation of
outdated Assembly decrees and the revision of internal
regulations of the Assembly and suggestions to the President and
state institutions.

Later on Sunday, Assembly members dispersed to their
respective commissions to discuss the topics assigned to them.

Jacob Tobing of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan) was appointed to chair Commission A, dealing
with the Constitutional Commission.

Commission B, dealing with revocation of Assembly decrees, was
chaired by Rambe Kamarulzaman of the Golkar Party.

Barlianta Harahap, a veteran politician from the United
Development Party (PPP), was appointed to chair Commission C to
discuss the Assembly's internal regulations and suggestions to
the President and state institutions.