Page 93 - BUKU A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE IN INDONESIA

A CENTURY OF PARLIAMENTARY LIFE
IN INDONESIA

In a republican-federal system, the President
was “onschendbaar”, meaning he could not be
held accountable. Instead, the ministers would
be responsible. Meanwhile, as the head of state,
When necessary, the President would have several prerogatives,
such as the right of clemency (pardon) on sen-
the government tences imposed by the court. Furthermore, the

could consult the President would be the commander-in-chief of
the entire RIS military, and the President and his
Senate’s opinion on ministers constituted the state government.
issues. Likewise, The Senate was the regional or state represen-

the Senate could tative. Each state had two sitting representatives

also advise the elected or appointed by their respective local

government as it governments. The President appointed the Sen-
ate chair, who could be a member of the Senate
saw fit. or an external member. The Senate chair was
only entitled to give advice. Jakarta was desig-
nated as the Senate’s place of business. When
necessary, the government could consult the
Senate’s opinion on issues. Likewise, the Senate
could also advise the government as it saw fit.

The People’s Representative Council (DPR) had 150 members. Members
representing the Republic of Indonesia state made up 50 percent of the
total council members. Meanwhile, the number of council members rep-
resenting other states would be determined by the ratio of their respec-
tive population, election results, or appointments by the people’s rep-
resentative bodies from the regions concerned. The Chinese (Chinese),
European, and Arab minor groups would be represented by at least nine,
six, and three members, respectively. The DPR must elect a chair and
one or more deputy chairs. The DPR has the right of interpellation (in-
terpellatie — the right to ask for information from the government), the
right to ask questions, and the right to question (enquête — the right to
examine matters of public interest).

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