Wahid explained that this move could encourage citizens to cherish Indonesia's return to the NKRI form after a brief period as a federal republic, a process driven by the so-called Motion of Integration proposed by Mohammad Natsir in the federal parliament on April 3, 1950.
In a statement cited here on Friday, Wahid supported his suggestion by pointing out that the Indonesian Socialist Party, of which President Prabowo’s father Sumitro Djojohadikusumo was a member, had supported that political motion.
The legislator further asserted that restoring Indonesia's unitary state form aligns with the will of the Indonesian people, as outlined in the 1945 Constitution, which was presented on August 18, 1945.
"As stipulated in Chapter 1, Article 1, paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, Indonesia was founded as a unitary state, not a federal republic," he stated.
Moreover, he pointed out that Article 37, paragraph (5) of the Constitution emphasizes that the NKRI form cannot be altered.
Wahid highlighted that commemorating the NKRI restoration is crucial for strengthening the Indonesian people’s commitment to combating efforts aimed at undermining the country’s unity and integrity.
According to the MPR deputy speaker, this proposal for NKRI Day was previously presented to the government during the administration of seventh president Joko Widodo but did not yield the desired outcome.
"Therefore, I would like to ask President Prabowo to make a historic move early in his administration, especially since he frequently echoes the importance of maintaining national integrity by embracing all elements of the nation in development efforts," he affirmed.
Wahid also expressed belief that commemorating NKRI Day would send another strong message from Indonesia to the international community about national integrity and anti-colonialism.
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Translator: Melalusa S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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