New DPA members to be sworn in today

JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of home affairs Yogie S.M., former coordinating minister for people's welfare Azwar Anas and the government sanctioned chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party Soerjadi are to be among the 45 people sworn in today as members of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA).

They are due to take their oath this morning in a ceremony at the State Palace and will then begin five-year terms as supreme advisors to the president.

"The new council members are expected to provide inputs to the process of political, economic and judicial reform which the government is implementing," Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said yesterday.

According to the 1945 Constitution, the council has equal status to the president. The council is supposed to advise the president, either on its own initiative or when requested.

However, in recent years the council has often been criticized as being the final retreat for retired generals, ministers and politicians whose advice to the president is almost never heard in public.

Prior to ending his five year term in March, the previous chairman Sudomo claimed that former president Soeharto always listened to the council's suggestions, although he never allowed them to speak to public.

"We are not just a rubber stamp for the president," Sudomo once said defensively.

The composition of the new council due to be sworn in today is certain to raise a few eyebrows.

The inclusion of Soerjadi is expected to draw much criticism.

Soerjadi ousted Megawati Soekarnoputri from the PDI leadership during a controversial government backed congress in 1996.

The final selection of council members remains the prerogative of the president, who can choose from a list of 90 names prepared by the House of Representatives.

The council must include representatives from Golkar, the PDI, the United Development (PPP), the Armed Forces and leading societal groups.

The list of names proposed for the current council was submitted by the House in April.

Other members due to be sworn in today include National Commission on Human Rights member A.A. Baramuli, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Hasan Basri, Chairman of the Indonesian Union of Churches (PGI) Sularso Sopater, former East Timor governor Mario Viegas Carrascalao, and PPPs Jusuf Syakir.

Two Chinese-Indonesians will also be included -- businesswoman Siti Hartati Murdaya and leading community figure Yunus Yahya.

Next week the 45 members are expected to elect a new chairman and vice chairmen.

"The president and his cabinet are ready to have a more interactive relationship with the Council," Akbar said. (prb)