MD3 Law will Not Criminalize DPR Critics, Bambang Soesatyo Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Bambang Soesatyo guarantees that the enactment of Law on MPR, DPR, DPD, and DPRD (MD3 Law) will not have a negative effect to society. He said that it would not aim to kill public’s criticism against the House.

"I guarantee that anyone who criticizes the House will not be criminalized or taken to the legal field," Bambang said at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, March 15.

The MD3 Law was enacted after President Jokowi did not ratify the bill passed by the House on February 12. Bambang also suggested for those who disagree with the law enactment can submit a judicial review to the Constitutional Court ((MK). He said that the action is more constitutional.

Read: MD3 Law Applied, Refly Harun Suggests Jokowi Not Issue Perppu

"The House is ready to implement any decision made by the MK. We obey the law and principle," said the Golkar Party politician.

Bambang also asked the public not to hesitate to criticize the DPR. He believes that people can distinguish between criticisms and hate speech. "Criticism is very much expected because it is the vitamin for the House, which should not be spreading hate speech and slander," he said.

Read: I Have Not Signed the MD3 Law Jokowi

Jokowi invites the public to register a judicial review of the MD3 Law to the MK. He argued that he did not ratify it because it will cause public unrest.

A number of articles in the MD3 Law spark controversy because it oversees the immunity of the DPR members and makes it seem a superpower institution. Although it was discussed with the government, Jokowi denied if he missed it. He also will not issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu).

ARKHELAUS WISNU TRIYOGO