Jakarta – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) senior politician Sidarto Danusubroto has been inaugurated as speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), replacing the late Taufiq Kiemas.

He took the oath of office in an official swearing-in ceremony at the Pustaka Loka building in the MPR and House of Representatives (DPR) compound in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

"I do solemnly swear in the name of Allah that I will faithfully fulfill my responsibilities as the MPR speaker to the best of my ability. I will uphold Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution and serve devotedly the nation and the people. I will fight for the people's aspirations," said Sidarto, while taking the oath, as quoted by Kompas.com. Sidarto will serve as MPR speaker for the next 15 months, replacing Taufiq who passed away last month. Megawati chose Sidarto as MPR speaker because he is the senior member of PDI-P faction and had been a House member for three terms. Prior to the appointment, Sidarto held the prestigious position as the party's honors board chief.

Sidarto was adjutant to Indonesia's first president Soekarno and he is expected to continue Soekarno's legacy, in particular upholding the four pillars of nationhood.

In his professional career, Sidarto was formerly head of information service with the National Police (1975-1976), head of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in 1976-1982, and West Java Police chief (1988-1991).

Sidarto was nominated as MPR speaker with several other candidates. They included Deputy DPR Speaker Pramono Anung, head of PDI-P faction at the House Puan Maharani, and PDI-P secretary general Tjahjo Kumolo. Among those names, Sidarto was the most senior politician and party member. (apt/ebf)