I quote Abraham Lincoln, regarding the issue of the amendment to the 1945 Constitution: 'Do not interfere with the Constitution' (if there is no urgency). The Constitution must be upheld because it is the only protector of our freedomJakarta (ANTARA) - Amendment to the Indonesian 1945 Constitution, projected to be conducted in 2022 by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), should take into account the aspect of urgency, a legal expert emphasized.
According to the Padjadjaran University's (Unpad's) legal expert, Susi Dwi Harijanti, observing the urgency in amending the Constitution is important, as the 1945 Constitution has the power to protect the entire Indonesian nation.
"I quote Abraham Lincoln, regarding the issue of the amendment to the 1945 Constitution: 'Do not interfere with the Constitution' (if there is no urgency). The Constitution must be upheld because it is the only protector of our freedom," Harijanti stated during a national webinar "Reflections on Law Enforcement in 2021's End: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead" here on Monday.
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Earlier, the MPR had targeted the results of the 1945 Constitution amendment review to be completed in April 2022. The MPR intends to include the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) in the amendment.
In response to MPR's plan, Harijanti assessed that it should review the matter of urgency that leads to the need to amend the 1945 Constitution. The lack of urgency to amend the 1945 Constitution could likely draw rejection from some parties, she noted.
Furthermore, she expressed optimism that public supervision would be an indispensable component in the amendment to the 1945 Constitution as well as the 40 bills in the 2022 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) to be discussed next year.
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Unpad's legal expert pressed for the need for supervision from the community during the law creation process.
"The community conducts the public overseeing process during the establishment of the law", Harijanti added.
Moreover, she advised that in 2022, the House of Representatives (DPR) and the government should ensure meaningful community participation during the procedure of law creation.
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Translator: Tri A, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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