Markus Junianto Sihaloho – The religious-based Prosperous Justice Party has asked the House of Representatives (DPR) to dismiss disgraced legislator Arifinto, who was caught watching pornographic videos on his tablet computer during a House plenary session five months ago.

Arifinto initially denied responsibility after he was photographed enjoying an X-rated movie but then gained some credit for accepting his guilt and announcing that he would resign as a lawmaker.

Despite his pledge to quit, however, Arifinto tenaciously clung to power, with threats by the House Ethics Council act decisively in the matter coming to nothing.

The incident is a major embarrassment for the Islam-based party, known as the PKS, who take a strong antipornography stance.

PKS lawmaker Machfud Siddiq had submitted a letter to House leadership, who he believed had forwarded it to the General Elections Commission (KPU), which was now handling the affair.

After a KPU investigation, the body would send a letter to the House, which would be forwarded to the president who could formally remove Arifinto from his position.

It is unclear how long the process will take. The disgraced lawmaker continues to draw a salary from the state.