VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The flurry of the Indonesian political elites apparently did not stop at the time of the contest   for the presidency and the Speaker of the House of Representatives -DPR. The empty seat of the chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly -MPR which had not yet been filled was also contested.

This position certainly was not necessarily only occupied by the coalition parties, but the opposition also wanted to obtain it.  This was seen in the election of the chairman of the MPR which took place in a plenary session at Nusantara Building on Thursday night (3/10). After being suspended several times to give an opportunity to political parties to lobby, finally Bambang Soesatyo from the Golkar Party was elected by acclamation.

Bambang Soesatyo in his inaugural address as the chairman of the MPR expressed his commitment to carry out his best duties, so that the institution he leads could function optimally.

His statement is certainly reasonable. After the reform era, the existence of the MPR could only be felt when there was a certain agenda. This is reflected in Article 2 paragraph (2) of the Constitution which explains that the MPR convenes at least once in five years in Jakarta, or appoints the President and Vice President. In addition, the MPR may also impeach the president and amend the Constitution.

After the amendment of the Constitution, the People's Consultative Assembly lost its authority to determine the course of government by the president, because the State Policy Outline (GBHN) had been abolished and replaced with the Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJM) which was discussed by the Parliament and the President.

In his speech, Bambang Soesatyo also emphasized that the MPR for the 2019-2024 period is open to reviewing various ideas regarding the nation and state's problems. The MPR will become the National Home where the fundamental and strategic issues of the country are discussed.

It is expected that what was conveyed by the elected Chairman of the MPR for the 2019-2024 period is not merely rhetoric, but it is followed by  concrete actions for the progress of the nation and state of the Republic of Indonesia.