"[DPD members] have anonymously agreed to hold the meeting in order to immediately appoint a new speaker. The decision is final," Farouk told journalists following a meeting with the DPD deliberation committee on Thursday.

Farouk explained that the appointment process would consist of two stages. First, 132 DPD members would choose one candidate among 39 council members who represent western Indonesia, in line with the fact that Irman represented the region when he served as speaker.

After that, the chosen candidate from western Indonesia will then compete for the speaker seat with Farouk himself, who represents eastern Indonesia, and DPD Deputy Speaker GKR Hemas, who represents central Indonesia. The meeting will then appoint a speaker from the three candidates, Farouk said.

The process will be completed on Tuesday. The chosen DPD speaker who replaces Irman will be inaugurated by chief justice Hatta Ali on the same day, Farouk said.

Irman was dismissed from his position by the DPD Ethics Council on Sept. 19 after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him a suspect in a bribery case related to sugar import quotas. His dismissal was officially acknowledged in Wednesday's DPD extraordinary plenary meeting. (bbn)

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