People's Consultative Assembly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids People's Consultative AssemblyMajelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat |
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| 2024–2029 Period | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses |
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| History | |
| Established | 29 August 1945 (as Central Indonesian National Committee) |
| Preceded by | Volksraad |
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New session started
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1 October 2024 |
| Leadership | |
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Speaker
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Ahmad Muzani, Gerindra
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Bambang Wuryanto, PDI-P
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Kahar Muzakir, Golkar
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Lestari Moerdijat, NasDem
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Rusdi Kirana, PKB
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Hidayat Nur Wahid, PKS
Since 3 October 2024 |
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Deputy Speaker
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Eddy Soeparno, PAN
Since 3 October 2024 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 732 (152 senators, 580 representatives) |
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DPD political groups
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Nonpartisan (152) |
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DPR political groups
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List
Government (348)
Confidence and supply (232)
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Length of term
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Five years |
| Elections | |
| Single non-transferable vote | |
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DPR voting system
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Open list proportional representation |
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DPD last election
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14 February 2024 |
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DPR last election
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14 February 2024 |
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DPD next election
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2029 |
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DPR next election
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2029 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Nusantara Building, Parliamentary Complex Jakarta, Indonesia |
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| Constitution | |
| 1945 Constitution of Indonesia, Chapter II | |
The People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (often called MPR-RI) is an important part of Indonesia's government. It helps make laws and decisions for the country. The MPR is made up of two groups: the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD).
Before 2004, the MPR was the highest governing body in Indonesia. It was formed after the general election in 1971. At that time, it was decided that the MPR would have twice as many members as the House of Representatives.
Today, the MPR has 732 members. These include 152 senators from the DPD and 580 representatives from the DPR. The number of members has changed over the years as Indonesia grew and its provinces changed.
How the MPR Began
Early Days After Independence
After Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, leaders created a new constitution. This constitution planned for a "People's Consultative Assembly" to be the main law-making body. On August 29, 1945, the Central Indonesian National Committee (KNIP) was formed. It had 135 members and helped prepare for the future Assembly.
Some members of the KNIP felt the government was too strong. They wanted a system where the parliament had more power. In October 1945, the KNIP gained full power to make laws. This meant it had to approve all important national policies.
Changes in Government
Indonesia became a federal state in 1949, but soon returned to being a single, united country in 1950. Leaders tried to write a new constitution, but they couldn't agree. So, in 1959, the 1945 Constitution was brought back. This also brought back the important role of the MPR.
The Provisional MPR (MPRS)
In 1960, a new version of the MPR was created. It was called the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS). It had members from the House of Representatives, regional areas, and different job sectors.
The MPRS held important meetings to set national policies and plans for Indonesia's development. During these years, the MPRS passed special "Resolutions" that acted as important laws for the country.
A New Era of Leadership
In the mid-1960s, the MPRS played a key role in a big change in Indonesia's leadership. It formally transferred power from President Sukarno to President Suharto. During this time, the MPRS made important decisions. These included setting new elections and giving President Suharto responsibilities to stabilize the country.
In 1967, a special meeting of the MPRS officially ended Sukarno's presidency. It appointed Suharto as acting president. The MPRS then formally appointed Suharto as president in 1968. It also asked him to create a five-year plan for the economy and hold elections by 1971.
The New Order Period
The first elected MPR met in 1973. Its membership grew to 920. During this period, the MPR included members from different political groups, the military, and regional representatives.
Every five years, the MPR held a General Session. Here, the president would explain what had been achieved during their term. The MPR would then elect the president and vice president. This happened several times, with President Suharto being re-elected. The MPR also made decisions on national policies and development plans.
The Reform Era Begins
In 1998, after a period of economic challenges, President Suharto resigned. This led to a new period called the "Reform Era." The MPR held a special meeting to make big changes. It removed special powers given to the president. It also limited how many terms a president could serve. The MPR decided to hold new elections in 1999.
In 1999, a new MPR was formed with fewer members. It started working on changing the 1945 Constitution. The MPR also began holding yearly meetings to hear reports from the president and other government bodies. For the first time, the MPR held elections for president and vice president where more than one person could compete.
Later, in 2001, another special meeting of the MPR led to a change in leadership. A new president and vice president were elected.
Modernizing the MPR
In 2002, the MPR continued to update the constitution. It changed how presidents are elected, so people could vote for them directly. It also created the Constitutional Court and the Regional Representative Council (DPD). This made the MPR a two-chamber legislature.
By 2003, the MPR's role had changed a lot. It was no longer the highest governing body. Instead, it became equal to other important government branches. Its main jobs became inaugurating the president and vice president. If needed, it could also remove them from office. The MPR would only elect a president and vice president if both positions became empty.
What the MPR Does Today
Main Responsibilities
The MPR has several important jobs given by the 1945 Constitution:
- Changing the Constitution: The MPR can change or remove parts of the 1945 Constitution. To do this, two-thirds of its members must vote to approve the changes.
- Inaugurating Leaders: The MPR holds a special ceremony to officially welcome the new president and vice president after they are elected. If the president's job becomes empty, the MPR will hold a session for the vice president to become acting president.
- Removing Leaders from Office: The MPR has the power to remove the president or vice president if they break the Constitution or national laws while doing their job.
- Electing a New Vice President: If the president's job becomes empty and the vice president takes over, the MPR will choose a new vice president to fill the empty spot.
- Electing New President and Vice President: If both the president and vice president's jobs become empty, the MPR will elect new leaders within one month. This might happen due to resignation, removal, or death.
Past Powers of the MPR
Before the changes made between 1999 and 2002, the MPR was the most powerful government body. All other government parts, including the president, reported to it. The MPR also used to create "Guidelines of State Policies" that the president had to follow.
The MPR also issued special "Resolutions" that were like laws. After the reforms, the MPR mostly makes decisions about its own rules. However, some of its old Resolutions are still important laws today.
Rights and Duties of MPR Members
What Members Can Do
Members of the MPR have special rights to help them do their jobs:
- They can suggest changes to the Constitution.
- They can share their opinions and make choices.
- They can be chosen for parliamentary roles.
- They can defend themselves if accused of breaking rules.
- They are protected from being sued for things they say or do as part of their duties. This protection does not apply if they break the rules of conduct.
- They receive certain official honors and benefits.
What Members Must Do
MPR members also have important duties:
- They must support and promote Pancasila, Indonesia's national philosophy.
- They must follow and uphold the 1945 Constitution and the Laws of Indonesia.
- They must protect and keep Indonesia united and peaceful.
- They must always put the country's interests before their own or their group's interests.
- They must properly represent the people and their regions.
Images for kids
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The leaders of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly in 1967.
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The building complex in Jakarta where the MPR meets.
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President Suharto giving a speech at the MPR session in 1993.
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The MPR during a special meeting in 1998.
