As mentioned earlier, interrogative right is a constitutional right held by the DPR to investigate a policy or the implementation of laws deemed problematic. This interrogative right is regulated in Article 79 paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution, which states:
“The DPR has the right to conduct investigations into the implementation of laws and/or government policies related to matters of significant, strategic, and broad impact on the lives of society, nation, and state.”
From the wording of this article, we can ascertain that interrogative rights have several requirements, namely:
Interrogative rights must be related to the implementation of laws and/or government policies. This means interrogative rights cannot be used for personal matters, such as investigating romantic scandals, hobbies, or someone’s food preferences.
Interrogative rights must be related to matters of significant, strategic, and broad impact. This means interrogative rights cannot be used for trivial matters, such as investigating wall paint colors, shoe brands, or someone’s hairstyle.
Interrogative rights must be based on strong and rational reasons. This means interrogative rights cannot be used for emotional matters, such as investigating out of resentment, jealousy, or hatred towards someone.
If these requirements are met, then the DPR can propose interrogative rights with the following mechanism:
The proposal for interrogative rights requires the support of at least 25 DPR members and must come from more than one faction.
The request for proposing interrogative rights must be submitted with detailed reasons and the policy or implementation of laws to be investigated.
The request for proposing interrogative rights must be approved by a plenary session of the DPR with a minimum approval of 50% + 1 of the total number of DPR members present.
If the request is approved, then the DPR will form a special committee (interrogative rights committee) consisting of DPR members representing the existing factions.
The interrogative rights committee will conduct investigations by gathering data, facts, and testimonies from various sources, including parties related to the matter being investigated.
The interrogative rights committee will compile a report of the investigation findings containing discoveries, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations.
The report of the investigation findings will be discussed and ratified by a plenary session of the DPR with a minimum approval of 50% + 1 of the total number of DPR members present.
The report of the investigation findings will be submitted to the president as the head of government for follow-up according to his authority.
From this mechanism, we can understand that interrogative rights are a long and complex process that requires cooperation and commitment from all parties involved. Interrogative rights are also not an absolute right that can be used at will but a right that must be morally and legally accounted for.