Jakarta – Amid the ongoing internal scuffle and criticism of their idleness after a month in office, members of the House of Representatives made official visits and met with the public.
A 17-strong House delegation linked to the People's Coalition and representing Commission V on transportation and public works visited Senen station in Central Jakarta.
Leader of the delegation, Azrul Azwar of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, said the legislators were there to check on preparations by state railway company PT KAI to accommodate the thousands of holiday revelers who will travel to their hometowns this month.
In a similar move, 16 House members from the People's Coalition grouped under Commission VII on energy traveled to several locations across Jakarta and West Java province to inspect power lines operated by the state electricity company PLN.
Commission leader Idris Lutfi said they were checking the power supply in anticipation of a peak in demand over Idul Fitri holiday, which falls on November 15.
After stopping by PLN facilities, the lawmakers headed toward storage facilities belonging to state oil and gas company Pertamina in Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta.
Commission member Irwan Prayitno of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction said Pertamina should take severe measures against employees and suppliers who stockpiled fuel for their own gains and at the expense of consumers.
Separately, lawmakers of the rival Nationhood Coalition representing Commission VI on trade and industry paid a visit to gift hamper/parcel vendors in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, who said they were facing a slump in sales following a call from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that state officials should not receive gifts in a professional capacity.
Delegation leader Khofifah Indar Parawansa of the National Awakening Party (PKB) said the commission would write to Governor Sutiyoso and the KPK to heed the vendors' plight.
At the House, Commission III for law, autonomy and human rights held a hearing with the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW), Transparency International Indonesia (TII) and ProPatria research group.
Presided over by commission chairman Agustin Teras Narang, the hearing discussed efforts to curb corruption in the bureaucracy.
Anung Karyadi of TII called on lawmakers to begin deliberating bills on the right to information and witness protection, as they would boost transparency, which was a major factor in the fight against corruption.
ICW deputy director Luky Djani suggested that legislators quickly follow up all feedback from the public, as most public input on alleged corruption involving state officials fell on a deaf ear.
At the end of his presentation, ProPatria's Hari Prihatono suggested that legislators sit down and settle the internal conflict.
Since their induction on October 1, House members have been deeply divided over the electoral mechanism for the chairmanship of its commissions and five auxiliary bodies. The conflict has raised concerns and criticisms that the House is headed toward virtual paralysis.