DPR Affirms The Wantimpres Bill Is Not Politics, Reply To Budi

Deputy Chairman of Komis VII as well as Secretary General of PAN Eddy Soeparno (Nailin / VOI)

JAKARTA - The 22nd DPR Plenary Meeting of the Closing of the Trial Period of the Year 2023-2024 approved the Draft Law (RUU) on the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) which will be transformed into a Supreme Advisory Council, to a bill proposed by the DPR initiative, Thursday.Regarding this, Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the DPR Eddy Soeparno said that Wantimpres was needed because the council which would contain nine people played a role in providing a broader understanding and view for the president. This is so that the president has a broader understanding and access to various sectors," said Eddy. Regarding the status of the Wantimpres position, Eddy said that of course there will be restrictions and positions from Wantimpres to be under the president. I think there will also be restrictions. It is impossible for the president to also have to stick to the amendments to the Basic Law. But its function and usefulness is a strengthening of the current Wantimpres, he continued.' EDdy also dismissed the issue that the formation of Wantimpres is a political effort to return the favor. He emphasized that Wantimpres is normal and common in other countries. I do not see that from the political aspect.'' In any government, there is such that there will be an administrative conference to the president and that is already very common, it is held,' said Eddy.

He believes that the position of Wantimpres will be filled by experienced people and his track record can be traced by the community. "Why can't there be (Wantimpres) in Indonesia? This position will be filled by people who have experience and track records that can be checked by the public. Of course, the input and considerations given will be good for the government," concluded Eddy.