PPP wants DEN/DPUN dissolved

PPP wants DEN/DPUN dissolved

JAKARTA (JP): The United Development (PPP) faction urged
President Abdurrahman Wahid on Saturday to dissolve his two
advisory groups, the National Economic Council (DEN) and National
Business Development Council (DPUN) saying the two councils only
complicate the situation.

According to the faction there is no reason for the President
to set up the two bodies as the state already has the Supreme
Advisory Council (DPA) as a consultative body to assist the
President.

"Disband the extra constitutional institutions," legislator
Suryadharma Ali said reading the faction's statement to Assembly
Commission C.

"The establishment of the two institutions shows the weakening
of the DPA function and the President's carelessness to it," he
added.

DPA itself is also under fire for its ineffectiveness in
advising the President. Abdurrahman set up DEN and DPUN just one
month after his election in October.

DEN comprises 13 members and is chaired by senior economist
Emil Salim while the 18-member DPUN is chaired by businessman
Sofyan Wanandi.(prb)