THE INDONESIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2008
- PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS
In his opening remarks at the First Session of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the period 2008-2009 on 15 August 2008, the Speaker of the House, H.R. Agung Laksono expressed DPR RI’s high appreciation of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) which has been conducting its task and function in implementing the law enforcement in Indonesia. DPR RIcalled for KPK to process the corruption cases in accordance with the prevailing law and to always respect the presumption of innocence.
The Speaker expected the forthcoming General Elections in 2009 to be peacefully conducted. There are 40 parties that will participate in the elections.
In his remarks, he also expressed his concern on the demand of the US Congressman to unconditionally release two members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). He reminded that in its constitution, Indonesiaguarantees the promotion and protection of human rights
In commemorating the International Day of Democracy that would be celebrated on 15 September 2008, he stated that DPR RI had planned to organize a Hearing Simulation that would be performed by the students of senior high schools. The objective of the Simulation is to socialize the political education.
- DPR RI ATTENDED INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONFERENCES
- The 29th General Assembly of ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on 19-24 August 2008 in Singapore
The Indonesian Delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives attended the 29th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held on 19-24 August 2008 in Singapore.
On the occasion, the Indonesian Delegation proposed a draft resolution on Strengthening Democracy, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. This is to emphasize the importance of democracy and protection of human rights in the ASEAN region in accordance with the ASEAN spirit.
AIPA Member Parliaments should be encouraged to have higher social trust to participate in politics and to realize democracy in order to achieve welfare in the ASEAN region.
Responding to the request for the expeditious ratification of the ASEAN Charter as stipulated in the Resolution on AIPA’s Role and Contribution to the ASEAN Charter, the Indonesian Delegation informed that the Indonesian House of Representatives will discuss the ratification of the Charter at the next session.
Concerning the energy crisis, the Indonesian Delegation shared ideas on the importance of creating a friendly environmental energy. Relating to Food Security as proposed by Indonesia, the General Assembly recognize the importance of promoting reasonable pricing and trade mechanisms based on the spirit of friendship and solidarity among ASEAN Member Countries.
Due to the slow process of the harmonization of laws on drugs, as adopted in the previous Assembly, the Indonesian Delegation stressed on the importance of following-up on the harmonization of laws on combating the drug menace among ASEAN Member Countries.
On the deliberations of Cooperation among Women in Politics and Socio-Economic Activities, the Indonesian Delegation proposed the importance of empowering the role of women in politics and strategic decision making process by offering opportunities to actively participate in politics.
The Indonesian Delegation reaffirmed its support to the request by the Members of Parliament of the Union (Burma) in exile to obtain their status as Special Observer of AIPA. Unfortunately, the Assembly was not be able to decide on the request at this juncture and decided to discuss it at the next General Assembly.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) Meeting, 11-12 September 2008 in Geneva
At the Annual Session of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO) held on 11-12 September 2008 at the International Conference Centre of Geneva (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland, the Indonesian delegation reiterated its commitment to re-schedule the negotiation of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and called upon the major players to be more flexible. The delegation emphasized the necessity of bottom-up, inclusive and transparent process of negotiation. Meanwhile, on the food scarcity issue, Indonesia believed that joint efforts would be needed in solving such problem. As the coordinator of G-33 countries, Indonesia has been actively involved and is convinced that the success of the Doha Round could bring about solutions to the world food crisis.
On this occasion, Indonesia also stated its commitment to play an active and continuous role to reduce the impact of climate change by transferring friendly environmental technology as an effort to protect the environment and development.
- Workshop on Public Participation and Reconciliation, 24-28 September 2008 in Thailand
On 24-28 September 2008, the Indonesian Delegation attended the Regional Workshop on Public Participation and Conflict Resolution in Thailand, organized by the Mekong Institute in collaboration with the King Prajadhipoks Institute and Khon Kaen University and sponsored by TICA and SEARCH. The Regional Workshop was attended by 17 members of parliaments from ASEAN countries. An in-depth discussion on conflict resolution was held in the King Prajadhipoks Institute and Mekong Institute guided by Prof. Vanchai Vatanasapt. During the workshop, the participants learned about the efforts to resolve vertical and horizontal conflicts and the measures on how to be the initiator-mediator in community. The participants also learned about various conflicts and their root causes in community as well as the ways and means to reduce and solve such conflicts permanently.
- DPR RI WELCOMED GUESTS FROM FELLOW COUNTRIES
- Ambassador of Palestine
On 25 July 2008, the Speaker of DPR RI, H.E. H.R. Agung Laksono, received a courtesy call by the Ambassador of Palestine, H.E. Mr. Fariz N. Mehdani. During the call, the Ambassador stated his support for the candidacy of Mr. Agung Laksono as the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in October 2008. Furthermore, the Ambassador conveyed the gratitude of the government and the people of Palestine for the support of the Parliament and the people of Indonesia, particularly in the efforts of the independence of Palestine.
- Minister of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry of Australia
On 22 August 2008, the Committee IV of DPR RI welcomed the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry of Australia, Hon. Mr. Tony Burke. Mr. Arifin Junaidi, MP, a member of the Committee IV, said that such meeting was very fruitful to enhance the cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, especially on agriculture, fishery, and forestry sectors. It is hoped that in future, Indonesia could increase its fishery export to Australia. In all sectors, the cooperation between the two countries were developing well. In the reform of the forestry management, the Minister kindly proposed to hold a training program on forestry management in Indonesia.
- President of the Federative Republic of Brazil
On 12 July 2008, the Speaker of DPR RI, H.E. H.R. Agung Laksono, received a courtesy call by the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. On the occasion, the Speaker explained about the general election in Indonesia which started a campaign period from July 2008 until March 2009. The general election for the legislatives will be held on 9 April 2009 and the presidential election will be held in July 2009. The President of Brazil acquainted of the National Congress and the government system of Brazil. The Chamber of Deputies of Brazil has a 4 -year term of office and the Federal Senate has an 8 -year term of office. Meanwhile, the President has only 2 years of office remaining. The President also mentioned about the preparation of Bills in Brazil that are mostly initiated by the executive or the government. The National Congress of Brazil consists of 513 members with only 90 of them coming from the government party. Therefore, they have to form a coalition with the other parties to run the administration. The President also touched on democratization in Brazil and he expressed his appreciation of the democratization process in Indonesia.
