A plenary meeting at the House of Representatives' (DPR) building in Jakarta. TEMPO/Imam Sukamto
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House's Legislative Body (Baleg) is reluctant to scrap Article 224 on the immunity of House lawmakers.
The article stipulates that law enforcers—such as the police or the Corruption Eradication Commission—must secure consent from the House Honorary Council prior to investigating lawmakers who are allegedly involved in crimes.
Baleg deputy speaker Saan Mustopa said the proposed removal of the article was once discussed in a House plenary meeting, yet to no avail. Saan added that the article remained open for revision in case there were parties opposing the proposal.
Democrat Faction member Ruhut Sitompul regretted that the immunity article was not included in the revision to the Legislative Institution Law—popularly known as the MD3 Law. He added he would support the proposal should there be a judicial review against the article.
"This article is clearly stalling corruption eradication and law enforcement endeavors," he said.
