Observers support MPR bicameral system
Observers support MPR bicameral system
JAKARTA (JP): With independence demands on the decline,
observers from natural resource-rich provinces suggested on
Wednesday that the republic be changed to a federal state which
applies a bicameral system.
Speaking on the second day of a seminar entitled "A Unitary
State versus a Federal State" here, Tabrani Rab from Riau,
Qismullah Yusuf from Aceh and Michael Menufandu from Irian Jaya
were of the opinion that regional representatives at the People's
Consultative Assembly could function as senators who were equal
to the House of Representatives.
"The regional representatives so far are only passive Assembly
members who apparently know nothing," Tabrani of Riau University
said.
He said the system would enhance decentralization of power and
people's participation in the policy making process and curb
demands for independent states.
"The unitary system could be maintained but with an
implementation of a bicameral system," said Tabrani, an outspoken
figure who last year declared himself the president of an
independent state in Riau.
President Abdurrahman Wahid said upon opening the seminar on
Tuesday that the government vowed to maintain a unitary system
but would implement elements of federalism.
Qismullah said that decentralization of power from the central
government to provincial administrations was viewed as the
adoption of elements of federalism without having to establish a
federal state.
"Aceh, like other provinces, has also demanded that
decentralization take effect," Qismullah from state Syiah Kuala
University said.
He said the decentralization policy needed a legitimate
guarantee and clear guidelines to avoid conflicting
interpretations between the central government and local
governments.
Menufandu supported Qismullah's opinion, saying
decentralization would prevent national disintegration.
He suggested that the government involve local figures in
addressing all matters related to the provinces.
Political observer Andi A. Mallarangeng, who also attended the
seminar, threw his weight behind the idea of implementing a
bicameral system, saying it could complement the planned direct
presidential election.
"In the future, the president will no longer be responsible to
the MPR," Andi said.
He said elements of federalism had already been accommodated
in Law No. 22/1999 on regional autonomy and law 25/1999 on fiscal
balance between the central government and local administrations.
"With the laws, a big portion of the central government's
power is distributed to the provincial or regency
administrations," Andi, who is an expert staff member at the
office of the state minister of regional autonomy, said. (jun)