The 1945 Constitution Amendment Issues Rise, F-PAN In The DPR Reacts: The People's Aspiration Must Be, Not A Momentary Politics!

JAKARTA - Chairman of the PAN faction of the DPR RI, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, emphasized that the amendment to the 1945 Constitution was not an easy job. This is because changes to the articles contained in the constitution will have broad implications in the Indonesian state administration system.

Therefore, according to Saleh, before the door to the amendment is opened, it is better if all political forces, civil society, academics, community leaders, religious leaders, and various other elements can sit down to formulate the agenda and limits of the amendment.

"The constitution belongs to all the people. Changes to the constitution should be based on the aspirations and desires of the people. The changes should not only be for temporary political purposes," Saleh said, Wednesday. August 18th.

Before opening the changes, Saleh considered that it was necessary to map out the main points and issues to be changed so that the amendment agenda was focused and directed.

In addition, there must also be agreement between all factions and groups of DPD in the MPR on the proposed map of changes. That way, said Saleh, there is no concern that the amendment will expand to other issues beyond what has been agreed.

"Right now, the amendments to the 1945 Constitution are referred to as limited amendments. What limits them? Well, that was a political agreement between factions and DPD groups in the MPR. To be more accommodating, all elements outside the MPR also need to be heard and involved," said the member. Commission IX of the DPR.

While technically, Saleh emphasized that the implementation of the amendments was also not easy. In Article 37 of the 1945 Constitution it is stated that the submission of amendments to new articles can be scheduled if submitted by at least 1/3 of the total members of the MPR. Articles can only be made with the approval of at least 50 percent + 1 of all members of the MPR.

"In addition to the various political interests that surround it, this technical issue is also believed to be the reason why the amendment is difficult to implement. In fact, the MPR for the 2009-2014 period, the issue of this amendment was strengthened by the proposal of the DPD," said the legislator for the North Sumatra electoral district.

The issue of amendments, continued Saleh, also continued in the 2014-2019 period. In fact, the issues to be discussed and raised have already been formulated. However, the amendment has not yet been implemented.

"Well, if today the amendment to the 1945 Constitution is rescheduled, then the same difficulties will still exist. In addition, Indonesia is focusing on dealing with the pandemic. Of course there will be a 'proper' issue if you make amendments in the midst of a situation like this," said the chairman of the PAN DPP. that.

"If it's not ready, it's best to arrest it first. Do a more comprehensive study first. The assessment itself can be considered as part of the amendment process," said Saleh.

Previously, the Chairman of the MPR, Bambang Soesatyo, considered that there was a need to amend the Basic Law to accommodate the Basic Principles of State Policy (PPHN). Therefore, a limited amendment to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia is needed, especially the addition of the MPR's authority to stipulate PPHN.

"The process of changing the Constitution in accordance with the provisions of Article 37 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia has strict requirements and mechanisms. Therefore, amendments to the Constitution can only be made to articles that are proposed to be amended along with the reasons," said Bambang Soesatyo in his introductory speech to the MPR Annual Session at the Nusantara Building, Jakarta Parliament Complex, Monday, August 16.