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legislators also agreed to set up three commissions that would deal with the Constitutional Commission, revocation of outdated Assembly decrees and the revision of internal regulations of the Assembly and suggestions to the President and state institutions.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.