DPR Postpones Reaching Decision on Criminal Code Bill

Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Bambang Soesatyo accompanied by Chairman of Commission III Mulfachri Harahap and Leaders of Factions after meeting with President Jokowi at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (23/9). (Photo by: Oji/PR)

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has decided that it will postpone the approval of Bill on Criminal Code (RUU KUHP) during the Plenary Session scheduled on Tuesday (30/9).

“There are still three plenary sessions until 30 September 2019,” Chairman of Commission III of the DPR overseeing legal affairs Mulfachri Harahap told reporters in Jakarta, Monday (23/9). However, Mulfachri stated that President Jokowi only asked to postpone, not to repeal the bill.

Mulfachri added that there might be a lobbying forum in the future between the Government and the DPR regarding the Bill since the DPR will complete its term on 30 September 2019.

“The DPR will continue to monitor (the public opinion) until 30 September,” Mulfachri said, adding that he expect the forum could produce something productive.

Mulfachri went on to say that several articles—which the public criticizes and in which they ask the President to further reexamine —would be adjusted, adding that the Bill has been discussed for almost four years and the DPR has received inputs from many parties.

In the meantime, Speaker of the House Bambang Soesatyo said that the problems regarding the passing of the Bill into law would be resolved in accordance with the existing mechanism within the DPR. (MAY/FID/OJI/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas