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House systematically flouts democratic norms, critics say
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Lawmakers attend a House of Representatives plenary session in Jakarta on March 8, 2021. (Antara/Galih Pradipta)
T
he House of Representatives is under fire for what critics say has been a spree of undemocratic lawmaking in its most recent sitting period.
The House's passage of at least two controversial laws and its deliberations on a contentious bill to revise the Criminal Code during its recent sitting period followed a pattern that has spurred public outcry in the past: a lack of transparency followed by a rushed deliberation that often skirts public participation.
Watchdogs and experts say the majority legislative coalition’s tendency to hastily write and pass laws presents a threat to Indonesian democracy.
Fast-tracked deliberation
In June, the House moved quickly to pass a set of bills that created three new provinces in Papua after just nine days of deliberation.
The bills’ supporters said the legislation would spur development, improve public services and create more opportunities for Papuans to become civil servants.
Read also: Laws forming new Papuan provinces trigger protests
