Presence of ABRI in DPR

Presence of ABRI in DPR

From Sinar Pagi

Article 19 of the 1945 Constitution states that "The
composition of the House of Representatives (DPR) shall be
stipulated in a law." On the basis of this article, the DPR's
composition is flexible in accordance with the constitutional
need in a certain period.

In the New Order era, the role of the Armed Forces (ABRI) in
the DPR was very much needed by certain groups that might not
represent the entire people. However, as these groups were very
powerful, ABRI played its role in all government lines, and was
not confined only to the DPR.

It was reported in the mass media on Nov. 1, 1998, that
Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces chief Gen. Wiranto
stated, among other things:

* Which sides have requested, by claiming that they do this on
behalf of the people, that the presence of ABRI in the DPR should
be abolished?

* The sociopolitical role of ABRI in the DPR is constitutional,
namely that it is based on Article 19 of the 1945 Constitution.
(However, he failed to mention which law regulates the presence
of ABRI in the DPR).

In this case, we need not discuss which sides do not want to
see ABRI represented in the DPR because it is obviously the wish
of many parties. So, in order that this wish may legally become
the wish of all the people, it must be stipulated in a decree of
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country's highest
legislative body.

Pursuant to Article 19 of the Constitution, the composition of
the DPR is stipulated by the law. Even if there is a law
stipulating that ABRI be represented in the DPR, this law must
have been the product of a certain period, in which either it was
constitutionally necessary to have ABRI represented in the DPR or
a certain group desired such an arrangement.

In the present situation, the people no longer want to see
ABRI in the DPR. ABRI must not be discouraged by the fact that
the people have their reason for not wanting to see ABRI in the
DPR, namely that the DPR is the House of Representatives and not
an institution of the representatives of ABRI or certain groups.

This reason may be negative or positive. If ABRI considers it
negative, all ABRI ranks must correct themselves and approach the
people.

How can the people wish to see ABRI represent them if ABRI
itself, for example, never wants to protect the people. However,
if the reason is positive, what is best for the people must also
be best for ABRI.

Remember, a handful of rice the people give is blood for ABRI
in protecting the people. ABRI members must remember that their
role to protect the people is very much needed.

SUKATNO GINTING

Bogor, West Java