Four constitutional amendments took place during the 1997-98 reform movement, which were initiated by the people with the sincere intention of improving the country's political system, democracy and human rights, he said, stressing he felt the current proposed amendment is being pushed by only some lawmakers and not fully by representative of the people's voice.
Despite the power to propose and approve constitutional amendments being in the hands of lawmakers, the moral legitimacy of the constitution remains with the people they represent, Usman affirmed.
"Lawmakers should have moral sensitivity, so their real intention to amend the constitution can be known and accepted by the people they represent," Usman remarked, highlighting the public’s concern about the proposed restoration of state policy guidelines that were earlier abrogated by the constitutional amendment in the early-2000s.
He also questioned if the proposed amendment to restore the state policy guidelines would undo the reform agenda to remove parliamentary supremacy, as a step to establishing a total presidential system in Indonesia while also complicating the relationship between the executive and the legislative if the amendment is approved.
Usman cautioned the presence of a constitutional amendment, even a minor one, as it would have significant consequences to the nation and the political system.
"We should broaden and deepen our horizons when discussing constitutional matters, especially amending the constitution," he said in conclusion.
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Translator: M Jasuma F, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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