Observers slam DPA as 'useless'

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)