Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD) chairman Irman Gusman said the government has not yet settled many of its agendas and state duties marked for this year.

"The DPD hopes that, during the 2014 to 2019 period, it will have an ideal position, structure, and authorities that will enable it to contribute maximally to the nation and state development," he said in his 2014 year-end reflection address at the Indonesian Parliament building here on Monday.

He emphasized that even though the body of authorities at the DPD was small, it will always do its best to maximize its work, particularly in serving as a balancing power and mediator between the current political powers.

Besides that, as regional representative, the DPD will also optimize its contribution as a mediator between the central and regional governments.

In the education field, he remarked, the DPD has noticed several differences in quality and facilities at educational institutes in cities and villages.

"Further, there has been a debate over School Curriculum 2013 although its implementation has been far from perfect," he added.

He explained that the DPD wants Curriculum 2013 to be evaluated carefully and comprehensively.

In the social sector, the DPD has been encouraging the government to implement its poverty alleviation program.

"The number of poor people in Indonesia has been rising," he stated.

He pointed out some records showing the number of Indonesian poor at 28 million while the number of open unemployed people accounted for 7.5 million.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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