Special session of MPR
Special session of MPR
From Media Indonesia
As the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) draws nearer, the national political atmosphere is becoming hotter. Meanwhile, the players in the House of Representatives (DPR) and MPR wrestle with the agendas involving attractive political positions, determining the national leader along with his or her subordinates. In other words, the issues up for discussion are hardly touching the agenda: i.e., how to solve the multidimentional problems that are facing the nation at present.
When observing legislators' behavior in the DPR/MPR there is a strong impression that they are only thirsty for power and are whetting their appetite for positions. In regard to the national problems, the legislators simply assume that it all depends on the President. These legislators do not realize that their contribution would be of great value in the effort to overcome national instability which has caused prolonged economic and political crises by engaging themselves in endless confrontations rather than opening the door to a compromise.
A compromise should not be perceived as political horse trading or sharing political power and positions. The compromise would be aimed at maintaining national integrity, putting state and national interests above groups' and parties' interests or, even personal interests. The present national condition requires that there is an urgent end to the confrontations, proportional roles of all political entities and the establishment of a supremacy of law.
As the holders of the political ball, the chairmen of the DPR/MPR should seek a win-win solution for the ongoing conflicts. The establishment of national integrity should be given a high priority through designing a conceptual idea, without any group feeling shameful, whereas faulty management would only result in the ball being kicked into the valley of destruction. At that point the future of our country would be at great risk.
RENIT LUBIS
Medan, North Sumatra