Markus Junianto Sihaloho – Almost half of the lawmakers from the House of Representatives were absent on the opening day of the new sitting period on Monday. From a total of 560 lawmakers, only 288 members were present.

Only 75 of the 148 lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party were at the House, while 60 of 106 lawmakers from the Golkar party were present. Fifty-six of the 94 Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle lawmakers were present.

"Probably some lawmakers were not present because they were still back in their election regions," Dwi, staff of the House of Representatives, said on Monday. "They might still be continuing their work during recess time."

During his speech on Monday, House Speaker Marzuki Alie warned lawmakers to work harder when deliberating about laws. "There are at least 50 bills that are ready to pass and need to be discussed at each commission," he said.

Lawmakers being absent from work on the first day of the new session is not a new phenomenon. In November, more than 240 lawmakers failed to show up.