Two Parties Lobby Aceh Bill
Tuesday, 30 May, 2006 | 12:27 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Two major factions at the House of Representatives (DPR), Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Golkar Party, had a meeting at Kafe Pulau Dua, Senayan, Central Jakarta, yesterday. “We have agreed that the Bill can be enacted soon,” said Tjahjo Kumolo, Chairman of PDI-P faction, after the meeting.

The Head of the Working Committee of the Aceh Government Bill, R.K. Sembiring Meliala said the crucial matter discussed was if the DPR wants to compose a law or agreement on Aceh, it must first ask for the approval of the Provincial Legislative Council of Aceh. “We must discuss this in the working committee meeting as to what is the solution,” he said.

Tjahjo added that the PDI-P must still look into whether to use the term 'agreement' or is it just an opinion. “If it only an opinion, it doesn't matter. But what if there is military aggression ? Do we need approval?” he said.

The other crucial matter is the local party. Sembiring said two factions have agreed to be included in the law. However they have not agreed to each point of the requirement to establish a local party, for example about the electoral threshold (minimum allowed each party).

In the meeting, Golkar delivered three important requirements in the process of completing the Aceh Government Bill. “First, this law must bring eternal peace to Aceh. Second, it must create prosperity. Third, it must be included in the unitary state framework.” said Chairman of the Golkar Party faction, Andi Mattalata.

Sembiring expects that by the meeting, the target for the bill to be enacted can be set earlier. Regarding the possibility that the working committee makes decisions by voting, according to Sembiring, the possibility is small. The principle of the working committee forum is to reach the same perspective. “But we leave that for the special committee,” he said.

Raden Rachmadi