However, most members of the upper house believe that the ideal way to strengthen the institution is through a constitutional amendment, he added.
"However, it is unlikely to take place soon. Therefore, we need to explore other ways to strengthen the DPD without amending the Constitution," he said in a statement received on Friday.
While opening a focus group discussion at the Parliament Complex on Thursday (July 13, 2023), the deputy speaker mentioned that alternatives to a constitutional amendment need to be sought to strengthen the DPD, as he acknowledged that this remains a contentious issue.
"On the other hand, the DPD is eager to have greater roles and functions in advocating for regional aspirations," Muhammad stressed.
The deputy speaker has suggested enhancing the upper house's oversight of the disbursement of regional transfer funds amounting to Rp800 trillion (around US$54.3 billion) as a way to strengthen the DPD's function.
"During Mr. Ginandjar Kartasasmita's DPD speakership, we often invited governors to discuss regional issues that we could forward to the central government. We can implement this to address regional issues and bolster the DPD's prestige," he explained.
During the same event, Benediktus Hestu Cipto Handoyo, a lecturer at Yogyakarta-based Atma Jaya University's Law Faculty, agreed that the authority of the upper house could be strengthened without amending the Constitution.
"At present, the relations, partnership, and collaboration between the DPR (House of Representatives) and DPD have been good. It is now up to the DPD to determine which aspects are good and which require improvement," Handoyo said.
He suggested that the DPD focus on regional transfer funds, profit-sharing funds, and regional balancing funds, which could enhance its position.
He also emphasized the need for the thorough implementation of Constitutional Court Decision No. 92/PUU-X/2021, which declares the DPD's position as equal to the DPR in the law deliberation process, although not in passing laws, to ensure the upper house is more relevant in the nation's system.
Related news: DPD Speaker asks govt to develop strategy to stop human trafficking
Related news: MPR RI deputy speaker seeks reelection as senator for Gorontalo
Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
