Parties' commitment doubted

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Parliament Forum Formappi, a political watchdog, is conducting a survey of 24 parties to determine their commitment to the improvement of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Formappi coordinator Tommi A. Legowo said on Monday that the parties were asked for their approval of the disclosure of attendance lists for House meetings. The survey also asked for the parties' approval of fines imposed on members who failed to turn up without providing an explanation.

The survey is also aimed at determining whether political parties would agree to public consultation on the law making process.

"We are now waiting for the parties' responses," said Tommi, a researcher with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The survey is supported by dozens of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), student groups, businesspeople, and labor organizations. -- JP