Two KPU members quit over double positions
Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Critical comments launched by a number of legislators against the General Election Commission (KPU) have prompted two of its 11 members to resign.
Imam B. Prasodjo and F.X. Mudji Sutrisno, lecturers at the University of Indonesia and the Driyakara School of Philosophy respectively, announced on Tuesday they would leave their posts in the commission and return to their teaching positions.
"The future of our nation lies in the academic domain; therefore, I have decided to go back to teaching," said Imam.
Mudji said criticisms made by some legislators at the House of Representatives should serve as a valuable lesson for the entire nation.
"We take into account the criticisms addressed to us. However, we also suggest that no politician should be allowed to hold more than one profession," Mudji said.
Under the election bill endorsed by the House of Representatives (DPR) two weeks ago, KPU members are required to work full time in order to concentrate on the preparations for the 2004 general elections. So far, only two KPU members have expressed their willingness to work full time for the commission.
The election commission, which comprises 11 members, mostly academicians, is viewed by analysts as an "ideal" line-up, claiming that the members had all passed the fit and proper test at the House without any apparent vested interests.
Recently, a number of legislators have questioned the commitment of the election commission's members, saying that those who could not give all their time to KPU should resign.
The counterattack was launched after the commission criticized the House for not deliberating the new election bill on time.
Mudji said they would officially resign in mid-April to give ample time for the commission to adjust to their absence.
Meanwhile, KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said he would leave the matter up to each member to take a stance in regards the resignations of KPU members.
"KPU will not try to clarify to the House regarding its statement attacking our members. It is quite clear," he said.
Nazaruddin added that it was up to the government to replace the two departing members. Should the government decide to replace the two, it must submit the names of the replacements to the House for the fit and proper test.
Indonesia is scheduled to hold its first ever direct presidential elections between March and June 2004, and over 200 political parties have already registered with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to participate in the election.
KPU chairman Nazaruddin said on Tuesday that voter registration would start in April 2003.