ACTIVITIES OF
THE INDONESIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2009
A. PARLIAMENT SITTINGS
The Indonesian House of Representatives started its Fourth Plenary session Period of 2008-2009 on 13 April 2009. In his speech at the opening of the session, the Speaker of the House addressed the importance of Combating Corruption. In regard with the importance of joint commitment to combat corruption, the House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to finalize the Bill of the Corruption Court. Concerned with the increasing of drug trafficking and its precursors, the House also put a high priority to pass the Bill on Narcotics.
Furthermore, in the efforts to keep and protect children from child sexual abuse, the House emphasized the need to support a joint commitment as resulted from the conference on “Eliminate Child Sex Tourism Practices” held in Sanur, Bali on 18 to 20 March 2009. The venue is to refer to Bali Island as one of a renowned tourism destination which is vulnerable to child sex tourism. The outcomes of the conference should be follow-up by concrete measures which will effectively protect children from sexual abuse.
B. PARTICIPATION OF THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONFERENCES
1. The First AIPA Caucus 26-29 April 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In the meeting, the Indonesian Delegation was of the view that it is important to form solid cooperation among ASEAN countries to combat drug menace and trafficking in persons. In this matter, AIPA as parliamentary institution has started a program which aimed at harmonization of laws on combating drug menace and trafficking in persons, to support the objectives. ASEAN countries have to reaffirm their commitment by ratifying the United Nations Conventions related with the issues, providing that ratification is fundamental to start harmonization of laws.
The Delegation also reiterated the significance of public involvement and transparency of information among AIPA member countries to prevent and minimize criminal acts. It is expected that through information exchanges and laws harmonization, criminals who are involved in drug and human trafficking can be detained within the ASEAN regional jurisdiction. In the same manner, the legal arrangement of extradition among ASEAN countries is also critical to ensure that criminals are brought into justice.
2. The 6th Meeting of the AIPA Fact Finding Committee (AIFOCOM) to Combat the Drug Menace on 10-14 May 2009 in Chiang Rai, Thailand
The agenda of the Meeting is Harmonization of Law on Drug Trafficking and it conferred about the Harmonization of Law on Combating Drug Menace aimed to achieve the Drug Free ASEAN 2015. In this meeting, the participants identified key areas as the basis of law harmonization.
The Meeting agreed that key areas which should be addressed under Seizure and Forfeiture of Assets in Drug Case are namely; related laws on seizure and forfeiture or on properties and assets, taxation measures, mutual assistance provided by treaties, regional and international cooperation, extradition and repatriation, legal procedures, penalty and cross-border control.
The meeting highlighted some key areas in order to address the issue of chemicals and precursors control namely; prevention of precursor and essential chemicals, import and export controls, strengthening regulations on precursor trade and trafficking controls, capacity building, international cooperation on law enforcement, information exchanges and sharing of best practices, manufacture, distribution and possession of chemicals and precursors substances and target traders and records of transaction.
3. APA Sub Committee on the Ramification of the International Financial Crisis in Asia, 27-28 May 2009, in Amman, Jordan
In this Sub Committee Meeting, the Indonesian Delegation proposed several important points among others: Encourage APA to urge developed countries through diplomatic and political efforts to allow developing countries to play a more extensive role in formulating the actions enabling countries to recover from global economic recession. Endorsing macro economic stimulus supported by developed countries to increase domestic demand in expediting adjustment to global economy and free trade; and calling on developed countries to devise economic policies for developing countries in order to encourage the achievement of global programs with regard to poverty eradication and provision of basic health services for the people in the poor and developing countries.
4. The First FASPPED Executive Bureau Meeting in Jakarta, June 9, 2009
Forum of Asia Pacific Parliamentarians for Education (FASPPED) was established in the effort to combat illiteracy as well as to improve the quality of educational system in Asia Pacific Region which involves 48 member states. Several outcomes produced in this forum were as follows: 1) The need for establishing an Education Committee in the parliament of respective member state; 2) To formulate regulations relating to the existence of teachers in remote areas, including provision of additional incentives for them; 3) The need for establishing operational network system between the three main pillars, namely: parliament, government and community organization; 4) UNESCO has declared its readiness to facilitate FASPPED meeting during its General Conference in October 2009 and to find additional funds to support FASPPED; 5) Secretariat of FASPPED is located in the parliament of the state of origin of FASPPED President which is held on rotation basis, and the funding for secretariat will be borne by the parliament of the state of origin of FASPPED President.
5. APA Sub-Committee Meeting on Combating Corruption in Asia-Challenges and Opportunities of Globalization in Asia, June 18-19, 2009 in Jakarta, Indonesia
The meetings had resulted in two reports and two drafts of resolution on Combating Corruption and Challenges and Opportunities of Globalization in Asia. The draft resolutions will be proposed to the meeting of the Executive Council to be held in Jakarta on August 11-12, 2009.
In relation with the topic of Combating Corruption, the Indonesian Delegation highlighted the important roles of parliament in strengthening anti-corruption strategies at the national and international levels. Corruption is the main cause of poverty in a country’s economy. Legislation, Supervision and Participations are three mandatory issues to be addressed in developing and enhancing anti-corruption effort. Lack of transparency in financial use (particularly state financial) is a major problem in Asia. Indonesian Delegation also called for all APA parliament members to support the effort in combating corruption. The parliaments can take the initiative to produce anti-corruption law and endorse the establishment of an independent body, granted with authority to conduct investigation and prosecution against all related corruption act committed by law enforcers or state officials.
Meanwhile, on Global Financial Crisis, the Indonesian Delegation highlighted the impact of globalization on southern regions of Asia which suffered from early financial crisis leading to a crisis of trust in the market and which have affected almost all global markets. Regionally, many countries cannot avoid such crisis, and it is unfair for developing countries who suffer from the consequences of global financial crisis which originated in the industrial/developed countries. Parliament needs to obtain a greater role in addressing current global financial crisis, and focusing at the implementation of fiscal discipline while on the other hand providing flexibility for budget contingency to anticipate crisis.
6. APA Sub-Committee Meeting on Cultural Diversity and Achieving Health Equity in Asia June 27-July 1 2009 in Teheran, Iran
In this APA Sub-Committee meeting, the Indonesian Delegation stated that cultural protection was not only fundamental, but it was also a strategic factor to advance civilization of every nation in Asia. In this relation, the Indonesian Delegation submitted draft resolution on Protecting and Respecting Cultural Diversity in Asia, which was finally agreed to be combined with the draft resolution presented by the Secretariat of APA to become the final draft which will be delivered at the Executive Committee meeting to be held on August 2009 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
C. THE INDONESIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WELCOMED GUESTS FROM FELLOW COUNTRIES
1. Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam
Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mr. H.R. Agung Laksono, received a Courtesy Call of Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien, on 27 April 2009. On this occasion, Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien stated that legislative holds important function for a country and it should not merely rely on the quantity of legislation but more to that, the quality of legislation is as important. Mr. Agung Laksono in his response hoped that the cooperation on legislation between Indonesia and Viet Nam will strengthen bilateral relations of the two countries. He also hoped that direct flight from/to Indonesia-Viet Nam should be reopened soon in order to facilitate and support the cooperation of the two countries. Furthermore, Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien stated his confidence that cooperation between the two countries can be improved by optimizing potential sectors in each countries.
2. Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea
On May 12, 2009, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mr. H.R. Agung Laksono, received the visit of Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Gong Sun-Ji, who is a senior parliamentarian. Mr. Gong Su-Ji explained that South Korea used to give more attention to neighboring countries in the Korean peninsula, such as China and Japan. However, nowadays, South Korea has developed more interest in the ASEAN region. South Korea is deeply concerned of the move made by North Korea who insists to launch its long-distance-missiles for a test.
This act, as perceived by South Korea is certainly threatening the security in the Korean Peninsula. In relation with the planned visit of the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives to North Korea in the near future, Mr. Gong Sun-Jin made a request to the Speaker to persuade North Korea to take part in maintaining and preserving peace in the Korean Peninsula. Responding to the request, the Speaker explained that Indonesia strongly uphold the “free and active” foreign policy in maintaining world order and avoiding the use of force. He said further, comply to its principles, Indonesia disagreed with any nuclear proliferation, unless it was aimed at peaceful purposes. Indonesia is very keen towards the realization of a peaceful, and nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
3. Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
On June 8, 2009 the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mr. H.R. Agung Laksono, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), H.E. Mr. Jon Chun Gun. In that meeting, the Ambassador explained that nuclear development in North Korea was not intended to attack other countries, but rather to develop nuclear weapon to defend state sovereignty, this is due to the existence of threats imposed from outside, and to respond to discriminatory treatment received from other countries. The people of North Korea also want to preserve peace, of which Jong Chun called for the world to cooperate in actualizing it. Indonesia, as stated by the Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament supported the struggle of North Korean people to create and maintain peace and security in Korean Peninsula, and will be delighted to see the realization of national reconciliation among the Korean people.
ACTIVITIES OF
THE INDONESIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
IN JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2009
SUBMITTED TO THE AIPA BULETTIN NEWS
A. PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS
In his speech on 14 August 2009 marking the opening of the first Session of the House for 2009-2010 Session Year, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) expresses his high appreciation to the Densus 88 (the Counter-Terror Special Force) for its successful achievements in hunting down, arresting and eliminating Nordin M. Top and his terrorist cells last August at two separate places in Jatiasih, Bekasi and Temanggung. This group of terrorists is believed to be behind the series of bombing blasts in JW Marriot Hotel and Ritz Carlton Hotel in July 2009. The war against terrorists is continuing and it is acknowledged as a collective responsibility among all members in the society and is not only the responsibility borne by the Police. All members in the society must work together to fight terrorism.
The House of Representatives for 2004-2009 Session has passed more than 167 bills into laws and in the near future it will complete deliberations of a number of bills in the second stage/decision making stage. In this Plenary Session, the House calls on the Government to pay more attention to health sector as the country is facing the spread of H1N1, which is also known as Mexican flu (swine flu) as a serious threat. The latest data shows that the virus has infected more than 600 people in 15 provinces.
B. THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT of 2009-2014 Period
On October 1, 2009, the 560 Members of the House of Representatives of 2009-2014 period were sworn in.
The composition of the Leaders of the House of 2009-2014 period is as follows:
1. HE. Mr Marzuki Alie (Democratic Party) Speaker
2. HE. Mr Priyo Budi Santoso (Golkar Party) Vice Speaker
3 HE. Mr Pramono Anung Wibowo(Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) Vice Speaker
4. HE. Mr Anis Matta (Prosperous Justice Party) Vice Speaker
5. HE. Mr. Marwoto Mitrohardjono (National Mandate Party) Vice Speaker
The composition of Leaders of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation is as follows:
1. Hon. Mr. Muhammad Hidayat Nur Wahid (Prosperous Justice Party) Chairperson
2. Hon. Mrs. Nurhayati Ali Assegaf (Democratic Party) Vice Chairperson
3. Hon. Mr. Sidharto Danusubrata (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) Vice Chairperson
4. Hon. Mr. Muhammad Najib (National Mandate Party) Vice Chairperson
- THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDED REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES
1. APA Sub Committee Meeting on Environment Issues, Global Warming, Climate Change and Planting Billions of Trees Throughout Asia, 1-2 July 2009 in Seoul, South Korea
Indonesian Delegation has actively taken part and contributed its resolutions on: the development of renewable energy, the issue which is critical in preserving natural resources and our readiness to face the increase of energy needs especially in developing nations. The upholding of sustainable economic progress and the protection of environment should be enhanced through good governance, therefore APA member-countries are encouraged to pay more attention on climate change as a critical factor that should be taken into consideration in policy-making. Warmly welcomed the results of World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative held in Manado and encouraged Asian countries to develop strategic steps in the conservation of under water living and coral reef habitat. Women and children living below the poverty level are the group that is vulnerable to climate change, therefore support and assistance of Asian countries are needed.
2. The 1st Meeting of the Preparatory Committee of the Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, 16-17 July 2009 in Geneva , Switzerland
The main theme of the 1st Meeting of the 3rd World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments is : Parliaments in a world of crisis, securing global democratic accountability for the common good. The meeting discussed peace, democracy, development and cooperation including gender equality and violence against women. Indonesian Delegation participated by contributing to the agenda and theme of the meeting that being discussed over and took advantage of the presence of the Speakers of Parliament by holding bilateral meetings to accommodate the interest of Indonesian Delegation to achieve the objectives as set by the Indonesian nation. The meeting reached an agreement to hold the next preparatory meeting in New York, scheduled from 16 to 17 November 2009.
3. APA Sub Committee Meeting on Alleviating Poverty in Asia, 27-28 July 2009 in Siem Reap, Cambodia
The meeting discussed and exchanged views on how to alleviate poverty in Asia, Indonesian Delegation took significant part by having the 5 (five) proposals and four (4) revisions to be accepted in the meeting. The agreed matters in the meeting among others were : a) Rural areas development as a vital element and a strategy to alleviate poverty in rural areas; b) Cooperation and coordination among parliaments of issues related to policies on poverty alleviation will be beneficial for people in rural areas; c) Encourage fund allocation for an independent forum/a bank or in cooperation with ADB and IDB for development in rural areas; d) Agro-tourism is an effective way for tourism sector which will lure investment in rural areas. This step has been taken in many places in the world; e) Incentive can be given to private sectors to boost and strengthen rural industry, especially on tax relief in order to attract national and international investment; f) In the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, collaboration with private and public sectors emphasizing on providing training, providing opportunity to do business and creating job opportunity in the society are needed; g) Poverty prevention in Asia can be funded by giving grant, loans or technical assistance.
The Sub Committee meeting recommended the next draft resolution for the next meeting, namely the First Executive Council Meeting of 2009, for reference and consideration of the Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development at the 4th APA Meeting, which will be held in December 2009 in Bandung, Indonesia
4. The 30th AIPA General Assembly in Pattaya City, Thailand, 2 – 8 August 2009
In the 30th AIPA General Assembly, the Head of Indonesian Delegation deemed it is necessary for Human Rights issues to be included as fundamental element, based on ASEAN people and community oriented rules henceforth highly appreciated the endorsement of draft Term of Reference for the Establishment of the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights which was adopted in the 42nd Meting of AMM in Phuket. The Head of the Indonesian Delegation also sought support of the good intention of the UN Secretary General to help Myanmar Government implementing the Roadmap to Democracy plan which is seen as a real step to create a conducive atmosphere for national reconciliation. During the commission meetings, Indonesian Delegation emphasized of the roles of AIPA in supporting ASEAN Charter and ASEAN Economic Community.
5. Executive Council of Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), 11-12 August 2009 in Jakarta, Indonesia
The meeting produced a Final Report Executive Council and Draft Resolution on the streamlining of the APA Work. The meeting reached an agreement by acclamation to give recommendation on the application of full membership for India and Kazakhstan. Parliaments from the two countries will be invited to attend the 4th APA General Assembly. In the Executive Council meeting, the chair of the meeting, Mr. Abdillah Toha underlined that one of the many challenges that would be encountered is the scale of the issues that have been discussed and the effectiveness of various resolutions adopted in the APA meeting. Asia is the largest region in the world facing serious problems such as; poverty and hunger, food crisis, global warming, health, etc. There are numbers of complex and apprehensive issues found in Asia. It is hoped that APA members have strong sense of responsibility to help find solution of severe issues and ready to cooperate with other powers to develop an integrated efforts to respond those challenges.
6. Briefing for Members of Parliament Attending the Opening of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 24 September 2009, New York
The participants of this meeting were to give presentation and later discuss basic guidance on policy and priority to be presented by the newly elected US President at the next session of UN General Assembly. It was possible for the participants, during the briefing, to interact and exchange views/opinions on matters related to the UN, National Parliament and International Parliament Union. The briefing had recommended the next meeting’s activities.
D. visitS of Bilateral Cooperation Group
1. Technical Visits to Sudan, Jordan and Palestine
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia sent its parliamentary delegation from 5 – 12 September 2009 to Sudan (Khartoum and Darfur), Jordan, and Palestine (Ramallah dan Gaza). The series of visits were conducted to respond to the Indonesian public demand and attention over the ongoing conflicts in the region and the internal conflicting parties in Sudan and Palestine-Israel conflict. Indonesian Delegation conveyed its hope and called on the Sudanese Government to build its national economy for the sake of its people’s welfare, and to send back refugees to their place of origin and subsequently end the internal conflict in the country. The Delegation also conveyed its commitment to take more active role in the effort to create the peace in Sudan and, at the same time, discussed the possibilities for cooperation in oil sector in the country. Based on the MoU signed between the Government of Indonesia and the UN, Indonesia sent 140 personnel of Formed Police Unit (FPU). The mission succeeded in implementing the tasks, which specifically were: to patrol/escort police advisor to refugees’ camps, escort the UN’s bodies /non governmental organizations (UNHCR, WFP, IOM, dan WHO), guard the UN’s facilities, conduct Long Range Patrols in Gallab, Tabit, Tawila and Kabkabiya areas. With respect to Palestine, Indonesia expressed its full support to the struggle of the Palestinians to regain its independence and sovereignty. Supports to save Palestine should be concerted in a comprehensive and effective manner to anticipate the ongoing internal conflicts in Palestine.
2. Visit to Peru
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia sent its Indonesia-Peru Bilateral Cooperation Group to Lima, Peru from 14-19 September 2009. The Delegation discussed with its counterpart in Lima the enhancement of executive relations and cooperation of both countries. Some other issues that were brought to discussion were consumer protection, energy, state’s borders and global economic turmoil. The Delegation also had the opportunity to discuss on how to manage energy use for fisheries in Peru, and held intensive exchanges of views in order to get more information to further develop Indonesia’s maritime potential, which has huge economic values.
. Visit to Algiers
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia sent its Indonesia-Algiers Bilateral Cooperation Group to Algiers from 24-30 September 2009, with the objectives, among others are, to strengthen friendly relations and mutual cooperation in political, economic and inter-parliamentary fields of the two countries. In the framework of Parliament to Parliament relations, Algiers is serious to establish a Friendship Group with the House of Representatives. Indonesian Ambassador to Algiers explained that the visit was viewed as important for the enhancement of inter-parliamentary relations, which would encourage the two countries’ close relations. Being the most populous Muslim Country in the world, Indonesia has become the example of democracy for Algiers where Muslims are also the majority. The two countries share the same views that the long-standing history of the brotherly relations of the two countries had started long before Algiers gained its independence. Indonesia from the beginning fully supported Algiers’ struggle for independence and declared the commitment to support Algiers in the Asia and Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955. From then on, it has become the solid and valuable basis for the enhancement of cooperation of the two countries now and in the future.