People eager to contest for DPD seats

A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

People have shown great interest in running for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) as evidenced by the high number of individuals obtaining registration forms from regional election commission (KPD) offices across the country.

General Elections Commission (KPU) member Mulyana W. Kusumah said on Tuesday that thousands of people had picked up registration forms as of Monday, the last day for aspiring candidates to get registration forms for DPD membership.

"On average, there are hundreds of people in each province nationwide who have obtained the registration forms. The competition will be tight, as there are only four DPD seats available for each province," Mulyana said at his office here.

In Jakarta alone, 573 people already picked up registration forms, including businessman Pontjo Sutowo, former environment minister Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, and automotive racer Helmy Sungkar.

A total of 430 residents in Central Java picked up the registration forms, including former governor Suwardi and poet Mustofa Bisri.

Meanwhile, in North Sulawesi, the registration forms were taken by 128 local religious and community leaders, Antara news agency reported.

Mulyana predicted however, that the number of people that would be actually eligible for the posts would be trimmed down as many candidates would have a difficult time meeting the requirements.

Each candidate, in Jakarta for example, must produce at least 3,000 copies of identity cards from their supporters. "It is not easy to get 3,000 copies of identity cards. The candidates will eventually face a natural selection," he said.

The registration process was kicked off on July 8, and the candidates were allowed to pick up forms until July 21.

After obtaining the registration forms, the candidates must fill in the registration forms and attach all the requirements already imposed by the central and provincial KPU offices, including the copies of the identity cards.

The minimum number of copies of identity cards varies, depending on the total number of inhabitants in each province.

The next process will be the screening by provincial and regency KPU offices, to decide if the candidates were eligible to contest the DPD election. The screening will be completed by Dec. 9, and one week later, the names of the DPD candidates from the 31 provinces nationwide (if Papua is split, it will become 33) will be made public by the central KPU.

The candidates will compete in the April 5 general election next year, and if they are elected, they will be part of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

According to newest laws, MPR, the highest legislative body, shall consist of all the members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the DPD members which cannot exceed one-third of total MPR membership.

DPD members will be responsible for formulating bills related to regional autonomy and the management of natural resources.