Jakarta – The cameras flashed away as the beautiful people posed on a red carpet, tailored suits for the men and glittery gowns for the women. Their perfume mingled in the air as they wave and smiled at the cameras.

This was no Hollywood premiere, but rather the inauguration ceremony of the 2009-2014 House of Representatives members – the same people who will be accountable for all laws passed in the next five years.

The legislators causing all the brouhaha during the ceremony at the House compound on Thursday were mostly celebrities.

Celebrities make up only 1 percent of the total 560 legislators, but managed to draw the most attention. Several have pledged to work hard to dispel doubts about their abilities.

"I don't think it's fair for the public to assume all we know is how to have fun and party," said comedian Eko Hendro Purnomo, from the National Mandate Party (PAN).

He added celebrities had higher integrity and were more competent than ordinary politicians. "No celebrity has ever been arrested by the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission)," he said.

Eko added he would put his constituents' interests first. "If I'm forced to approve or disapprove a policy that doesn't benefit my constituents, then I will resign."

Actress Venna Melinda, from the Democratic Party, said she would focus on teachers' welfare. "With a salary of only Rp 50,000, how do we expect them to better teach kindergarten pupils?" she asked.

"They have to moonlight as ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers just to survive. So they've demanded greater attention, like teachers in Malaysia. I think that makes sense." Other legislators posed for pictures with their loved ones.

Zulkieflimansyah, from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), told The Jakarta Post he did not find it surprising that celebrity legislators had managed to draw all the attention, regardless of how few they were. (adh/hdt)