Shadow DPR Leadership Creates New Conflict: Observer

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Nov 3 (Antara) - Pramono Anung`s appointment as chairman of the shadow House of Representatives (DPR) has created divisions in the parliament since the inauguration of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, noted an observer. "The rift in the leadership of the United Development Party (PPP) faction in the parliament, coupled with the KIH`s (Great Indonesia Coalition)`s disappointment with the endorsement of parliamentary bodies leading to its motion of no-confidence in the DPR leadership and the appointment of Pramono Anung as shadow DPR chairman have created a fresh conflict after the inauguration of Joko Widodo as president," Dr Ahmar Atang of the Muhammadiyah University in Kupang stated here on Monday. Ahmar noted that the rivalry between the Red-and-White Coalition (KMP) and the KIH is still ongoing. The rivalry has deepened as not only power but also prestige and self-esteem are at stake. "What the KIH has done reflects that they have constitutionally run out of ideas, so they take inappropriate steps," he asserted. He said the KIH, which is identical to the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), should not necessarily become the opposition party in the parliament. Arief Wibowo of the PDIP, Victor Laiskodat of the National Democratic (Nasdem) Party, Syaifullah of the United Development Party (PPP), and several other representatives of the KIH have formed a shadow DPR leadership. Pramono Anung is the chairman of this shadow leadership, and Abdul Kadir Karding, Syaifullah Tamliha, Patrice Rio Capella, and Dossy Iskandar are the deputy chairmen. DPR Chairman Setya Novanto recently remarked that he had no objection to the KIH`s plan to inaugurate a shadow DPR leadership, following its landslide defeat in the election of the House Commission chiefs. "We will have no problem if a shadow DPR leadership is inaugurated. The existing DPR leadership was elected based on the Legislative Institution (MD3) Law and the rules of conduct," he added.