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In short: they were out, then they were in, and now they’re out again.
26 Juli 2017 16:15
Brilio.net/en - The Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) fraction at the House of Representatives have decided to withdraw their support for the inquiry team set up to probe the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
This was conveyed by Gerindra fraction deputy chairman Desmond Junaidi to Kompas on Monday.
"That's right. The first reason [we do this] is the requirement to form the special committee. It is not in accordance with the House's code of conduct and the Law on Legislative Institutions," said Desmond.
In addition, Desmond added, the establishment of the special committee appeared to be quite problematic since it was not followed by all fractions. Reportedly, Democratic Party, National Awakening Party (PKB) and Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) have not yet sent their representatives to the special committee.
However, another member of Gerindra fraction Muhammad Syafii stated that the decision of his fraction to quit the special committee does not mean his party want the committee to be dissolved.
Syafii who is also the representative of Gerindra in the special committee, said that the committee can keep on going.
"Based on our consideration, we're unable to continue. But, that doesn't mean we think the inquiry [team] should be dissolved. That's the plenary decision," said Syafii at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday.
Gerindra was initially known to firmly reject the plan to use the Houses inquiry right related to KPK task implementation, but then decided to send four representatives to the inquiry team, including Desmond and Syafii, last June.
The party sent their delegation to the committee because of two reasons: to respect the plenary decision and because they believe the KPK improvement couldn't be done when his fraction is outside the committee.
But now, Gerindra felt unable to contribute effectively as long as they work within the committee.
"There are some reasons that Gerindra fraction think it's ineffective if [we] stay longer in committee," said Syafii.
On the other side, Indonesian Parliament Watch (Formappi) analyst Lucius Karus criticized Gerindra's maneuver to pull their member from the committee, saying it was nothing but a mere political gesture.
"Gerindra's decision to withdraw from the inquiry team seems to be a populist gesture. Yet, their decision tends to show their inconsistency," said Lucius to Kompas.
Lucius noted, from the beginning, Gerindra was the first to declare the rejection to the inquiry. Within days, they then changed their mind and sent their representatives to the committee before they really decided to quit the inquiry team.
"Thus, it appears there's a hesitation in Gerindra's attitude. Not only for the presence of the special committee, but for the wider context, which is their commitment to eradicate corruption," added Lucius.
