Amendments to the Constitution must be made with a clear political mind so that this nation does not become ambyar (break into pieces).
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Amendments to the Constitution must be made with a clear political mind so that this nation does not become ambyar (break into pieces).
The ambyar phenomenon was discussed by Sindhunata in Kompas, 20 November 2019. Sindhunata described the contemporary political situation, where political actors easily betray loyalty, deny commitment and plunge themselves into new infidelity.
Within such background, the idea of constitutional amendment was placed. Who can guarantee that the constitutional amendments would be limited to only one article that gave the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) the authority to determine the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN)? Mathematically and politically, the ruling coalition could direct the constitutional amendments. However, who can guarantee that there would be no opportunists when “the door” of constitutional amendment was opened?
The MPR has the authority to amend the Constitution. However, the campaign to change the Constitution is limited only to one article -- the MPR has the right to set the GBHN -- is an attempt to deceive the public. Amendment to one article will be related to the article concerning the position of the President and the MPR. Forcing the amendment of the 1945 Constitution to only one article without adjusting other articles will only make constitutional order disorganized.
Power is indeed thrilling. Power is indeed charming. So everyone is tempted to grab it and keep it.
Discourse in the media proves there are ideas to expand the term of office of the president, from a maximum two terms to three periods (15 years), or to amend each term from five years to seven or eight years. As a consequence of the revival of GBHN, MPR would become the highest state institution, so there is the idea to make the president elected by MPR. There is another idea of strengthening the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The idea of a presidential election by the MPR is a backward thought. The idea is based on the fact that politicians enjoy power. Power is indeed thrilling. Power is indeed charming. So everyone is tempted to grab it and keep it.
We expect the political elite to be open and honest. Just follow the constitutional amendment procedure provided for in Article 37 of the 1945 Constitution. The proposed amendment to the 1945 Constitution can be scheduled in the MPR session if at least one-third of the MPR members support it. One-third of the MPR members are equivalent to 237 people. Ruling coalition members (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Golkar Party, National Awakening Party (PKB), NasDem and United Development Party (PPP)) plus Gerindra make a total of 427 lawmakers, far higher than required. Every proposed amendment is submitted through writing along with the reasons. So, don\'t just voice out the limited amendment jargon.
While the decision to change the articles in the Constitution was carried out with the approval of 50 percent plus one MPR member.
To amend articles in the Constitution, an MPR session must be attended by at least two-thirds of the total MPR members or 474 MPR members. That is, it takes political lobbying with parties outside the government or lobbying MPR members from the DPD to get support. While the decision to change the articles in the Constitution was carried out with the approval of 50 percent plus one MPR member.
Deliberation of constitutional amendments is fine, but do not make this nation ambyar.