DPD calls for resumption of Constitutional amendments

Desy Nurhayati ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 08/23/2008 9:59 AM  |  National

The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Friday asked the government to make the fifth amendment of the 1945 Constitution its top priority after the 2009 elections.

The long-sought-for amendment has been delayed as legislators, councilors, experts and other community groups discuss its implications.

DPD chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita said the council and a team of experts had formulated a draft amendment, which they would propose to the government.

"We have conducted a thorough study and completed the draft recommendation on the fifth amendment," he said during the council's annual plenary session on Friday.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered his address at the forum attended by more than 120 DPD members, governors, Cabinet ministers and House of Representatives leaders.

Ginandjar said the draft highlighted the structure of legislative bodies, which was not yet clearly stipulated in the current Constitution.

"The composition of legislative bodies still needs revision," he said.

The DPD is seeking this fifth amendment in a bid to give it full legislative and budgetary rights, particularly on matters relating to regions, as well as an effective authority to uphold a checks-and-balances mechanism.

Between 1999 and 2002, four amendments were made to the Constitution, bringing about major changes in the system of governance.

The first amendment revised articles on the president and vice president, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the House and ministers.

The second amendment included revisions to articles on regional administration and local legislative councils, state defense and security, human rights and state territory, as well as the national flag, anthem, coat of arms and language.

Articles on presidential and vice presidential nominations, the DPD, general elections, the financial audit board and judicial power were all revised under the fourth amendment.

In the fourth amendment, changes were made to articles on education and culture, the president and vice president, the House, the DPD, the MPR and the abolition of the Supreme Advisory Council.

"We are grateful to the President for consulting with the presidential advisory board, the National Law Commission (KHN) and the Institute of Constitutional Studies (LKK) to discuss the plan, and we are awaiting the results," Ginandjar said.

In his address to the DPD, Yudhoyono said the government should conduct a comprehensive study before proceeding with the plan, including introducing it to the public.

"Over the past year, I have received a number of substantial suggestions, including the need to strengthen the DPD, and discussed it with the advisory board, the KHN and the LKK; but only the MPR has the authority to carry out the amendment," Yudhoyono said.

"I think the MPR should analyze the suggestions and give its response at the appropriate time."

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