NGOs push debate on constitutional commission

NGOs push debate on constitutional commission

JAKARTA (JP): Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are
intensively lobbying leaders of political parties at the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) to agree with the proposed
establishment of an independent commission to conduct
comprehensive amendments to the 1945 Constitution.

They are striving to encourage the MPR to issue a decree,
which will be used as the legal basis for the establishment of
the constitutional commission, at its annual session scheduled to
be held early in November.

"We are making an all-out effort to convince the MPR about the
need for a decree to make possible the formation of an
independent commission tasked to conduct comprehensive amendments
to the Constitution," Hadar N. Gumay of the Center for Electoral
Reform (Cetro) told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Hadar said Cetro, together with other NGOs grouped under the
Coalition of Nongovernmental Organizations for a New
Constitution, have intensified lobbying with leaders of political
parties at the MPR.

The MPR and NGOs have been involved in a tug-of-war over the
proposal for the establishment of the independent constitutional
commission.

Hadar said the NGO Coalition had met with leaders of the
United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party
(PKB). "We are now waiting for an opportunity to meet with
leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) and Golkar Party."

"PKB had even promised to bring the issue of the independent
commission to MPR meetings in order to prepare for the annual
session," Hadar said.

Ajeng Kesumaningrum of the Indonesian Foundation to Strengthen
People's Participation, Partnership and Initiative (Yappika) said
that her organization took part in highlighting the issue to
regional leaders.

"We have not given up yet. We need a legal basis to establish
such an independent commission. Therefore, we encourage our
friends at the MPR to accommodate such an idea," Ajeng told the
Post on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hendardi of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human
Rights Foundation (PBHI) stressed the importance of convincing
the public about the necessity of amending the Constitution for
the nation's future.

"So far the debate on the constitutional reform has only been
for the elite while the public have not been made aware of the
importance of this issue. Therefore, our campaign is also
targeted to wider elements of the society."

"For over 30 years, the public have been indoctrinated to
believe that the 1945 Constitution is sacred and cannot be
revised, some of our people still follow such a belief," Hendardi
said.

Hadar said that to make the establishment of the independent
constitution possible, the MPR was expected to add a paragraph to
Article 37 of the 1945 Constitution, which tasks an independent
commission to prepare a new constitution.

"Or the MPR issue a decree on this issue," Hadar said, adding
that such a decree should be issued at this year's annual session
so that the commission could be set up immediately and start
working.

"We expect the amended Constitution to be used as the legal
basis for the 2004 general elections," according to Hadar.

Commenting on a proposal to hold a referendum to decide such
an independent commission, Hadar said it would be too costly to
hold such a referendum.

"It would be too expensive if it was decided through a
referendum." (02)