TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House of Representatives (DPR) deputy chairman Pramono Agung says the House is set to approve the controversial mass organization bill during a plenary session today. He said that anyone who objects to this bill is permitted to file a judicial review.
The mass organization bill has long been a bone of contnetion between lawmakers and organizations in the nation. Most organizations reject the approval of the regulation. As a result, the House has cancelled the approval of this bill numerous times before.
Mass organizations across the nation have cried out protests once again near the approval of the bill. During a press conference yesterday, leaders of religious mass organizations rejected the approval of this bill because they believe it still contains a number of issues in the regulations.
Chairman of the Muhammadiyah headquarters Din Syamsuddin, said there are five weak regulations included in the mass organization bill. First, this bill contradicts Article 28 in the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945).
"It restricts the freedom of forming communities and unions to express themselves," he said representing all the leaders of religious organizations in the country.
Second, the definition of a mass organization, as stated in the bill, is still unclear because the definition and criteria are very general.
Third, he is concerned that this mass organization bill may restrict the participation of citizens in helping with national development. Fourth, the substance of the bill makes the civil society and their organization seem suspicious.
Lastly, he said, the mass organization bill can restrict community creativity because of its rigid regulations.
NINIS CHAIRUNNISA | PRAGA UTAMA | RAMADHANI
