Representation and Constituent Relations

Communicating with the constituents.

All Members of Parliament fulfil the role of representation, whereby they represent their constituents from their respective ridings. The common definition of the role of representation is the: ‘act[ing] as a representative of the interest of the people.’ This role is included the new Parliamentary Law No. 27/2009, and is further described in the Code of Ethics of the member (2009-2014). The inclusion of this role complements the other three roles of the members, namely, the roles of legislation, budgeting, and oversight. The role of representation is often referred as ‘peran perwakilan” (Indonesian for “role of representation”).

 Samples duties of the role of representation:

• Provide information to the constituents on parliamentary activities through the mass media, websites, constituent offices, working visits, etc.
• Build good relations with their constituents
• Handle complaints from the people, regarding the performance of the regional government
• Adocate the interests of the people
• Receive input from civil society organisationsabout draft bills or budget drafts
• Help the regional government in establishing regional facilities and acquire the support needed from the central government in accordance with the provincial work plan

The role of representation is of great importance in the creation a more transparent parliament where the constituents are fully aware of the activities of their representatives.  The more representative  a member is, the better he or she is known among the constituents.

The UNDP Parliamentary Support Programme supports the establishment and the enhancement of a more transparent and accountable parliament and streghten the constituent relations, by providing technical support for the members such as developing and distributing books on representation, conducting focus group discussions on the roles of representation and constituent offices, help in developing the House five-year report.