Indonesian parliament opens new legislative year with 360 first-time lawmakers

ANKARA

Indonesia’s parliament convened on Tuesday for a new legislative year, with 732 lawmakers sworn in, including 360 first-time members, according to state-run media.

Chief Justice M. Syarifuddin administered the oath of office to the legislators, who will serve a five-year term, Antara News reported.

The ceremony included 580 elected members of the House of Representatives and 152 elected senators, all of whom were elected earlier this year in February.

The number of House representatives increased from 575 in the previous term, while the Senate expanded to 152 members from 136.

Approximately 25 lawmakers come from celebrity backgrounds, including actress Arzeti Bilbina, singer Ashraff Abu, actor Dede Yusuf, former Ungu Band lead singer Sigit "Pasha" Purnomo, TV host Nico Siahaan, and comedian Denny Cagur, all of whom took the oath, according to the Jakarta Globe.

In his address at the ceremony, Chief Justice Syarifuddin reminded lawmakers of their duty to serve the nation.

“To God Almighty and the people, you have made a promise, which you must honor with all sincerity and honesty,” he told the parliamentarians.

Indonesia also elected Prabowo Subianto, a former army general, as the country’s new president in the Feb. 14 election. He will take office on Oct. 20.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid