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Scandals bring the House into disrepute
The House of Representatives has come under public scrutiny and derision for a series of scandals involving lawmakers, ranging from corruption to sexual harassment
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The House of Representatives has come under public scrutiny and derision for a series of scandals involving lawmakers, ranging from corruption to sexual harassment.
Political observers have identified a poor selection process and a lack of supervision as the root of the problem.
In the last three months alone, four House members have been detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Lawmakers Hamka Yamdhu and Saleh Djasit, both from Golkar Party, are respectively accused of receiving misappropriated funds from the central bank and facilitating an illegal purchase of fire engines.
Lawmakers Sarjan Taher of the Democratic Party and Al Amin Nasution of the United Development Party were both arrested for allegedly receiving bribes in two forest conversion projects.
The media extensively exposed the arrest of Al Amin, not least because he is married to famous dangdut singer Kristina. Following his detention, the KPK searched the his office and those of four other lawmakers at the House.
Adding to the embarrassment, Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) legislator Max Moein is currently embroiled in a sex scandal involving his former private secretary, who accused him of sexually assaulting her.
Max, a member of Commission XI overseeing financial affairs, has repeatedly denied the allegation. The House's disciplinary council has questioned Max and the woman.
Council member Irsyad Sudiro said he regretted the infamous scandals that have tarnished the House's image.
"We will get tough with those violating the House's standing order and code of ethics," Irsyad said.
While accepting bribery as a serious violation, the code of ethics does not specifically govern on sexual harassment, requiring only that lawmakers "treat work partners professionally."
Punishments for violations of the internal rulings range from a formal reprimand to dismissal from House strategic positions or the House itself.
Despite these regulations, Bvitri Susanti, a senior researcher with the Center for Indonesian Law and Policy Studies, said violations would continue as supervision of lawmakers was very weak.
"There is no clear and direct mechanism for the public to file complaints against the lawmakers," Bvitri said, adding that a poor selection process contributed to the election of corrupt lawmakers.
"Although we have a direct election, the system still provides opportunities for political parties to elect their favorite candidates. (The system) is prone to money politics. No wonder we have these kinds of lawmakers," she said.
Arbi Sanit, a political observer from the University of Indonesia, also put the blame on the weak election mechanisms.
"The law on legislative elections only stipulates the requirement for the people to participate in the election. It has yet to formulate the capability and morality criteria for public officials, including lawmakers," he said.
"These scandals have been common place for a long time. Only recently have we seen many lawmakers implicated and publicized." (alf)
