What is the name of the Parliament of Indonesia?
VerifiedAnswer: People's Consultative Assembly
Explanation:
The People's Consultative Assembly, known in Indonesian as Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (MPR), serves as the highest constitutional body in Indonesia's democratic system. This institution represents the supreme authority of the Indonesian people and plays a crucial role in the country's governance structure.
Indonesia's parliamentary system consists of two main chambers that together form the MPR. The first chamber is the People's Representative Council (DPR), which functions as the primary legislative body, and the second is the Regional Representative Council (DPD), which represents regional interests. When these two bodies convene together, they form the People's Consultative Assembly.
The MPR holds several important constitutional powers and responsibilities. It has the authority to amend the constitution, inaugurate the President and Vice President, and can impeach the President if necessary. The assembly also plays a vital role in establishing the broad guidelines of state policy and ensuring that the government operates within constitutional boundaries.
Historically, the People's Consultative Assembly has undergone significant changes since Indonesia's independence in 1945. During the New Order period under President Suharto, the MPR included appointed members alongside elected representatives. However, following democratic reforms in 1998, the institution was restructured to become more representative and democratic, with all members now being elected by the people.
The composition of the MPR reflects Indonesia's commitment to both national unity and regional representation. The DPR members are elected through a proportional representation system from political parties, while DPD members are elected directly from each province to ensure that regional voices are heard at the national level. This dual structure helps balance national political interests with regional needs and concerns.
Understanding Indonesia's parliamentary system is essential for students studying Southeast Asian politics and governance. The People's Consultative Assembly represents a unique approach to balancing democratic representation with constitutional authority, making it an important example of how diverse nations can structure their legislative institutions to serve their people's needs effectively.
