Febriamy Hutapea – Despite being implicated in at least two major corruption scandals, lawmaker Emir Moeis of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has been appointed chairman of the powerful House Commission XI, in charge of overseeing economic and financial affairs.
Emir has been summoned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as a witness in two high-profile bribery cases, including Miranda Goeltom's appointment as senior deputy governor of the central bank.
The Goeltom case began when former PDI-P legislator Agus Condro Prayitno confessed that he and other lawmakers received Rp 500 million ($49,500) in traveler's checks after voting in favor of Miranda.
Emir denied suggestions that he had pocketed any money in connection to the case, to which Agus responded: "If it was a lying contest, Emir would have made it to the semifinals."
Emir is also being questioned in a case involving Abdul Hadi Djamal, a former lawmaker from the National Mandate Party (PAN) who was jailed for five years in jail for his role in a Rp 3 billion ($318,000) bribery case.
The House of Representatives, widely perceived as one of the nation's most corrupt institutions, was plagued by graft scandals during its last term, with legislators labelled as self serving, often absent and incapable of passing quality legislation.
Many hope it will clean up its act this term, but expectations are generally low.
Tifatul Sembiring, chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), was confirmed as chairman of Commission I for defense, information, foreign and political affairs. Tifatul, however, was named to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's cabinet on Wednesday night, meaning his position will be filled by anther PKS legislator.
Senior Golkar Party politician Burhanuddin Napitupulu was named chairman of House Commission II for home affairs, regional autonomy, agrarian affairs and state apparatus.
Burhanuddin said that reviewing the regional elections would be his main focus in leading the commission. "The current regional election system is really exhausted," he said. His comments add further weight to suggestions that the direct elections of governors be cancelled, with the responsibility instead falling to provincial legislative councils.
He also said the controversial creation of new districts, municipalities and districts would be another area to address.
House Commission III overseeing security, legal, and human rights will be led by Democrat lawmaker Benny K. Harman.