Peran Parlemen dalam Sistem Negara Kesatuan: Studi Kasus Indonesia

The Indonesian parliament, known as the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR), plays a crucial role in the country's unitary state system. As the legislative body, it holds significant power in shaping laws, overseeing the government, and representing the interests of the people. This article delves into the intricacies of the Indonesian parliament's role within the unitary state framework, examining its functions, powers, and limitations.

The Constitutional Framework of the Indonesian Parliament

The Indonesian Constitution of 1945 establishes the DPR as a bicameral legislature, comprising the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The DPR is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the government's performance. The DPD, on the other hand, represents the interests of the provinces and has a limited legislative role. The Indonesian parliament operates within a unitary state system, where the central government holds ultimate authority. This means that the DPR's powers are subject to the overarching authority of the central government, and its decisions must align with the national framework.

Legislative Power and Lawmaking Process

The Indonesian parliament's primary function is to enact laws. The lawmaking process begins with the introduction of a bill, which can be initiated by the government, the DPR, or the DPD. The bill is then debated and scrutinized by the DPR's committees before being voted on by the full house. If approved, the bill is sent to the President for signature. The President can either sign the bill into law or veto it. If vetoed, the bill is returned to the DPR for reconsideration. If the DPR votes to override the veto with a two-thirds majority, the bill becomes law. This process highlights the DPR's significant role in shaping the legal framework of the Indonesian state.

Oversight Function and Accountability

The Indonesian parliament also plays a crucial role in overseeing the government's performance. The DPR has the power to summon ministers and other government officials to answer questions about their policies and actions. It can also conduct investigations into government activities and issue recommendations for improvement. This oversight function is essential for ensuring government accountability and transparency. The DPR can also initiate impeachment proceedings against the President or Vice President for serious misconduct. This power underscores the parliament's role as a check on the executive branch.

Representation and Public Participation

The Indonesian parliament is designed to represent the interests of the people. Members of the DPR are elected through a system of proportional representation, ensuring that diverse political views are represented in the legislature. The DPR also provides platforms for public participation through hearings, debates, and consultations. This allows citizens to voice their concerns and influence policy decisions. However, the effectiveness of public participation in the Indonesian parliament is often debated, with concerns about the influence of political parties and the lack of transparency in decision-making processes.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its significant powers, the Indonesian parliament faces several limitations. The unitary state system grants the central government ultimate authority, which can sometimes limit the DPR's ability to act independently. The dominance of political parties can also influence decision-making and limit the effectiveness of public participation. Additionally, the DPR's oversight function is often criticized for being ineffective, with concerns about the lack of political will to hold the government accountable.

Conclusion

The Indonesian parliament plays a vital role in the country's unitary state system. It holds significant legislative power, oversees the government, and represents the interests of the people. However, the DPR's effectiveness is often debated, with concerns about its limitations and the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate. The Indonesian parliament's future success hinges on its ability to overcome these challenges and effectively represent the interests of the people while upholding the principles of good governance and accountability.