Teams for crucial bills discussed

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) is expected on July 1 to set up two teams to deliberate the much-awaited bills on political parties and general elections.

Although the teams will be formed in July, legislators will only be able to start the deliberation of the bills in mid-August as they have to convene for the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The current session will end on July 19.

"With only limited time available, legislators can only elect the chairpersons for the two teams. The substance of the bills will be discussed in August," said legislator Thahir Saimima on Thursday.

The government is expected to submit the bill on the composition of the DPR, MPR, and regional legislative bodies as soon as the annual session to endorse a number of constitutional amendments is over. -- JP