October 16 Indonesian Parliament Day, look back at history

Jakarta – Every year October 16 is celebrated as Indonesian Parliament Day. This anniversary is a momentum to remember the journey of the people’s representative institutions in the Indonesian constitutional system. Indonesian Parliament Day is also a reminder of the important function of legislative institutions in formulating policy and overseeing government in Indonesia. Why is Parliament Day celebrated on 16 October? Quoted from the official website of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Indonesian Parliament Day was determined based on the historical event on October 16, 1945. This date was the establishment of the Central Indonesian National Committee (KNIP) which functioned as the forerunner of the parliament in Indonesia. SCROLL TO CONTINUE CONTENT KNIPP was formed to assist the President in the performance of governmental functions, including providing advice and drafting regulations. By Vice President Mohammad Hatta’s proclamation on October 16, 1945, KNIP was given legislative authority, which later became the basis for the birth of the function of the national parliament. Development of parliamentary institutions from time to time Referring to the DPR RI Research Center (P3DI) document in the 2021 Brief Info publication, the journey of representative institutions in Indonesia has experienced various changes in accordance with political and constitutional dynamics. From KNIP, this institution evolved into the Provisional DPR in 1950, then the DPR as a result of the 1955 election that became the first symbol of democracy in Indonesia. Thereafter, parliamentary institutions continued to experience changes in form and authority following the prevailing system of government, including from the New Order to the reform era. This change shows efforts to adapt representative institutions to the demands of the times and the democratic system in Indonesia. The meaning of commemorating Indonesian Parliament Day. According to information from the DPR RI Legal Documentation and Information Network (JDIH) page, the commemoration of Parliament Day is intended to raise awareness of the strategic role of legislative institutions in the state process. This warning is also a way of reflection for all elements of society about the importance of public participation in the legislative process. Apart from that, Parliament Day is also an evaluation opportunity for the DPR RI to strengthen transparency, accountability and relations with the community so that this institution can perform its function of representing the people more effectively. (wia/imk)