Observers slam DPA as 'useless'
JAKARTA (JP): Two prominent political observers slammed Saturday's installation of new members of the Supreme Advisory Board (DPA) as a "waste", saying that it had become an insignificant institution.
Constitutional law expert Harun Al Rasyid and political observer Arbi Sanit -- both lecturers at the University of Indonesia -- agreed that the body had played no significant role for several years.
According to the 1945 Constitution, the Council is supposed to advise the president, either on their own initiative or when asked.
However in practice, few have either heard or seen the council at work.
"Frankly speaking, its's a waste... So it's useless to establish one," Harun remarked of the council.
He argued that the Council had nothing to do and acknowledged the perception that it had become a final resting ground for former high-ranking officials.
Harun also pointed out that there was really no need for the cash-strapped government to finance the body.
Expenses allocated for the Council would be better off spent helping people cope with the worsening economic crisis, Harun said.
Arbi told The Jakarta Post yesterday that he agreed with Harun, pointing out that in earnest the advisory role which should be played by the council, has been made redundant following the establishment of other government bodies like the National Defense and Security Council (Wanhankamnas).
In addition to that, public seminars and research groups were making a greater impact on various issues.
"The DPA's role is redundant," he said.
Arbi was also critical of the composition of the new council, saying the choices reflects President B.J. Habibie's reputation for being "his predecessor's man".
"It would be different if Habibie had recruited proreform individuals into the council instead of just a bunch of supporters of former president Soeharto," he said.
Among the 45 new DPA members sworn into for the 1998/2003 tenure Saturday were former ministers Azwar Anas and Moh. Yogie SM, and the government-backed chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Soerjadi.
"They are Soeharto's men, not critical of the government... My conclusion is that Habibie has just shown another sign that he is Soeharto's man," Arbi said.
Habibie could have used the opportunity when appointing new council members to show that he was totally separated from his predecessor and that he was a "proactive" leader, he said.
"But, now it's too late... He is still hegemonized by Soeharto," said.
The council members were selected from a list of 90 nominees which was submitted by the House of Representatives in April and must include representatives from Golkar, the PDI, the United Development Party and the Armed Forces and leading sociopolitical groups.
Also sworn in Saturday were A.A. Baramuli, Abdul Hamid Baidowi, Achmad Tirtosudiro, H. Achmadi, Agus Sudono, Ahmad Bagdja, AMW Pranarka, A. Sulasikin Murpratomo, Aziddin, Ch. M. Muas, Chalid Mawardi, Darussamin, Eddie Nalapraya, Fadoli El Muhir, Gafur Khalik, Hasan Basri, Ismael Hassan, Izaac Hindom, Jusuf Syakir, Kafrawi Ridwan, Mario Viegas Carrascalao, M. Ilyas Ruhiyat, Yusuf Hasyim, Pamudji R. Sutopo, Putu Sukreta Suranta, R. Soedaryanto, Ramli Nurhapi, Siti Hartati Murdaya, Soeprapto, Soetedjo, Soelarso Sopater, Sukardi, Suparman Achmad, Suryatna Soebrata, Sutrisno Muchdam, Syafii Ma'arif, Tarub, Warno Hardjo, Yahya Theo, Yasir Hadibroto, Yudo Paripurno and Yunus Yahya.
Their appointments were mandated by Presidential Decree No. 140/M/1998. (aan)