Students' initiative

Students' initiative

According to reports the other day, a draft law to prevent
economic domination was presented to the House of Representatives
by the Gajah Mada University student senate. This may sound
rather odd, since so far actions such as proposing draft laws has
never been associated with students. During this New Order era
the submitting of draft laws has always been done by the
government (executive). Although the Constitution recognizes the
right of initiative of factions in the legislature, this has
never been done, for whatever reasons.

A few points might be noted in this case. First: among
students, who are the most educated among our young, the
commitment to face community issues still appears to prevail.
Second: efforts are made that involve not only the airing of
aspirations, but also constructive and constitutional political
participation. Third: the action reminds us again of the
importance of strengthening the institution and the function of
our legislature, particularly regarding the use of the right of
initiative.

The House of Representatives should not always remain passive
and let the initiative for all draft legislation come from the
executive branch of government. We should be more aware of the
fact that many potentials exist in society, particularly on
campuses, which can be persuaded to cooperate in stepping up the
function of the legislature.

-- Surabaya Pos, Surabaya