Ombudsman Urges DPR To Fix Ethics And Reveal Financial Transparency

Illustration of the DPR plenary session (VOI)

The Indonesian Ombudsman asked the DPR to improve the ethics of public communication and open transparency of its member financial facilities while urging the President to initiate national dialogue.

Ombudsman member Johanes Widijantoro said that his party received many complaints from the public regarding the attitude of the DPR which was considered not to show empathy for the suffering of the people. The response of the DPR leadership who lacks empathy actually makes things worse," Johanes said in his statement, Tuesday, September 2.

In addition, the DPR is also asked to transparently open financial facilities for its members, including salaries, allowances, and income tax subsidies. The Ombudsman emphasized that the DPR should review the amount of these facilities with the principles of transparency, propriety, fiscal efficiency, and a sense of public justice, according to President Prabowo Subianto's direction.

Johanes added that the DPR needs to formulate a mechanism for public participation in policy discussions to have a broad impact, either through consultation, hearings, or the use of digital technology for information disclosure.

On the other hand, the Ombudsman encourages the President to initiate national dialogue by involving all elements of society to strengthen the practice of the nation and state of social justice.

"The Ombudsman is here to ensure the state works in a fair, transparent, and people's side," said Johanes.