DPR Starts Discussions on Revision of State Ministries Law
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14 May 2024 21:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) has initiated discussions on the amendment of Law No. 39 of 2008 concerning State Ministries. In a meeting convened by the House’s Legislative Board (Baleg) on Tuesday, May 14, the article regarding the maximum number of ministries is proposed to be revised.
Achmad Baidowi or Awiek, the Baleg’s Deputy Chairman, presided over the meeting. Baleg’s expert team proposed an alteration in Article 15 of Law 39/2008 which stipulates that the maximum number of ministries is 34.
“It is proposed that the amendment be determined 'in accordance with the president's needs by taking into account the efficiency of state administration'," Baleg’s expert team read out the proposal.
The Baleg also emphasized the Constitutional Court (MK) decision No. 79/PUU-XXI/2011, which states that Article 15 contravenes the 1945 Constitution and has no binding legal force.
The Baleg clarified that the 1945 Constitution does not constrain the President in determining the number of state ministries. This is stipulated in Article 4 (1) and Article 17 of the 1945 Constitution.
Reports suggested that President-elect Prabowo Subianto intends to expand his upcoming cabinet to 40 ministries. The matter has drawn the public spotlight.
The bill on state ministries has been included in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) since it was proposed in 2019. As cited from the House’s official website, the bill is registered under number 16 of Prolegnas 2022-2024 as a DPR proposal dated May 10, 2024.
However, DPR Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad denied on Tuesday, May 14, that the bill is being discussed to accommodate Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming cabinet. The Gerindra Party official said it was aimed at addressing the needs of government nomenclature and optimizing the work of the cabinet in the future.
SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN
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