Uncovering the mystery of secretive Bamus

Uncovering the mystery of secretive Bamus

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

If there is one word that could be said to have dominated the
headlines in recent days, it would have to be Bamus, the name of
a special committee in the House of Representatives.

The Bamus, which means deliberative body or steering
committee, had captured the public's attention over the last two
weeks, mainly because of its inability to decide on a timetable
for a House plenary meeting session.

The plenary session is of particular interest because it is
expected to discuss a possible inquiry into the alleged abuse of
power by Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung, who has been implicated
in a Rp 54.6 billion financial scandal.

The steering committee is tasked with making schedules for
legislators to assist them in planning their work timetables,
whether it be for an entire year, semester or a single meeting
session.

The steering committee has become a target of criticism, due
to its practice of always meeting behind closed doors.

Responding to the criticism, legislator Yahya Zaini from the
Golkar Party said that the law required Bamus meetings be held in
camera.

"However, with the consent of participating members it can be
made open to the public," Yahya told The Jakarta Post.

Yahya, a drafter of the House's internal rules, added that the
meetings were usually closed to the public because they discussed
unfinished plans.

Once plans are finalized in a plenary meeting, they are made
public.

But Yahya's explanation of the system has never been tested in
practice, since no Bamus meeting has ever opened its doors to the
media.

Legislator Hamdan Zoelva from the Crescent Star Party (PBB)
said Bamus meetings were closed to the public because they
discussed the internal affairs of the House.

Article 91 of the internal House rules stipulates that
steering committee meetings are intended primarily to be closed-
door sessions, but that they can be opened to the public with the
agreement of members of the committee.

The new internal rules have been in force since Oct. 16. They
are aimed at empowering the nine commissions and the steering
committee, as well as improving the effectiveness of debates in
plenary meetings.

With the increased role of the steering committee, it is hoped
that legislators will pay closer attention to the proposals they
submit to it.

Currently, the membership of the committee consists of 76
legislators who can be reshuffled at any time by leaders of the
11 factions.