(9 Mar 1998) English/Nat
Indonesia's National People's Assembly (MPR) is expected to re-elect President Suharto in Jakarta on Tuesday.
If the past is any indication, its clear that M-P-R will adopt every suggestion from the nation's leader.
However, it is also clear that the disillusioned masses are looking for change, and may not respect the decisions of the elected assembly.
Indonesian political theatre is expected to reach new heights on Tuesday with the re-election of President Suharto.
It will unfold during parliament's National People's Assembly (MPR) meeting which happens once every five years.
Unlike the past, security at this year's convention has been tight.
Following riots in January and February, officials have banned public demonstrations in and around Jakarta.
Journalists lacking the proper accreditation have even been arrested on the grounds of the Assembly site.
The National Assembly sessions are meant to let the people feel that they have a voice in government.
The Assembly is made up of five factions.
They are the ruling Golkar party, the Muslim P-P-P, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), the military and a bloc of regional representatives.
A majority of the delegates - 425 to be exact - were elected after a month-long campaign last May.
The remaining 75 seats are appointed military representatives.
But despite the appearance of democracy, discussions among the factions and the proceedings at the Assembly are mere window dressing.
The real decisions are made by just one man - President Suharto.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"MRP just follow what the President wants, so after the President gives the light, the sign to them, that is their work."
SUPER CAPTION: Arbi Sanit, University of Indonesia
Parliament includes many Suharto cronies and family members, such as his daughter Tutut, who is powerful within Golkar.
The wealth of Suharto's family, and those who surround him in both government and business, has been a sore subject for many wanting reform.
Student groups have held numerous protests during the start of the Assembly.
All have been held on campus and not encompassed the general public, but some analysts believe they represent the frustration of the Indonesian people.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The problem now is there is on the one hand the irresistible demanding society on the one hand, and immovable authorities on the other, and there is the stalemate situation." SUPER CAPTION: Hendrajit, Political Analyst
Most analysts say Suharto receives advice from a limited inner circle, who mostly just praise his decisions.
However, there is a sense that if the military talks, even the President has to listen.
The armed forces (ABRI) are arguably the most respected group in the nation.
The recent promotion of Wiranto to commander of ABRI was said to bolster Suharto's control, but it also could give the military more access to the President.
Wiranto was handpicked by the president after serving as his adjutant for five years. But Sunday's meeting with military representatives didn't indicate any changes on the horizon.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think Suharto should be in line, should accommodate the people's demands, so that I think how responsive Suharto should be depends on the military leader to advise Suharto that the increasing violence on the part of society is more and more irresistible, so it is timely for Suharto to listen."
SUPER CAPTION: Hendrajit,Political Analyst
There is growing unrest over price hikes in the far-flung islands of Indonesia.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
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