6 - The Essence and Consequences of MPRS Decree No. XXIII, Year 1966, on Economic, Financial and Development Matters (1966)

Summary

Introductory Note: One of the major events of 1966 was the Session of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS), which has come up with a decision for the sector of the economy titled MPRS Decree No. XXIII: “Policy Foundations for the Reform of Economic, Financial and Development Fundamentals.” Every MPR or MPRS (Provisional/Interim MPR) Decree is of great significance and must be fully understood by the entire society, especially MPRS Decree No. XXIII, which, essentially, is a correction of the way the economy had been handled in the previous period that has been causing suffering for the community for years. This 10 July 1966 article is an attempt to explain the “Essence and Consequences” of MPRS Decree No. XXII as announced on 5 July 1966.

The description below is aimed at examining the essence and consequences of MPRS Decree No. XXII, dated 5 July 1966 in the areas of economics, finance and development. To examine the essence of a decree means to put the main matters in it under a spotlight. To discuss the consequence of a decree, meanwhile, is to describe in detail the steps that must be taken to implement it.

A proper understanding of the essence and consequences of this MPRS decree is needed for the implementation of the decree itself. However, this understanding is especially needed to ensure effective supervision and control by the People over the implementation of the decree.

No matter how good a decree may be, it will be meaningless unless its implementation becomes a reality. Lack of proper implementation would lead to greater disappointment. On the other hand, not infrequently, steps toward implementation are taken that are actually not compatible with the substance and spirit of the decree itself. It may even happen that these steps, justified by various pretexts, turn out to be deviations from the decree.

It is now the obligation of the Indonesian People to sharply oversee the application and implementation of the MPRS decree in the field of economics so that its implementation will really conform to the essence of the decree itself.

Content and Systematic Organization

The Fourth General Assembly of the MPRS in July 1966 has produced a comprehensive decree in the encompassing field of economics and the economy: MPRS Decree No. XXIII/MPRS/1966: “POLICY FOUNDATIONS FOR THE REFORM OF ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDAMENTALS”.