Eliminate Religious Phrases In PJPN, PPP: Kemendikbud Violates The Constitution

Member of Commission III Arsul Sani (Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - The United Development Party (PPP) criticized the 2020-2035 National Education Roadmap (PJPN) which eliminates religious phrases. After the news of the disappearance of the religious phrase was highlighted by Islamic organizations, such as Muhammadiyah, NU, and MUI.

The head of the PPP faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) Arsul Sani assessed that if the phrase religion was completely removed from the PJPN, then the Government, in this case, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, had violated the constitution. Namely the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (NRI).

The deputy chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) quoted Chapter XIII on Education and Culture, Article 31 especially paragraphs 3 and 4 of the 1945 NRI Constitution.

In verse 4, it is emphasized that the Government advances science and technology by upholding religious values and national unity for the advancement of civilization and the welfare of mankind. Meanwhile, in paragraph 3, it is stated that the Government shall endeavor and implement a national education system, which increases faith and piety as well as noble morals in the context of educating the nation's life.

Arsul explained that in a state agreement, religion is an inherent factor in many areas of national life and government.

"Although we agree that this country is not a religious state, it is also not a secular state which basically separates religion from the state", explained Arsul.

The PPP deputy chairman also reminded the government, especially those responsible for education, to always look back at state agreements when the Republic of Indonesia was to be formed.

So, he said, in determining government policy it was not influenced by the paradigm of a secular state which did not place religion as a factor in policy and decision making.

For that, said Arsul, PPP asked the Minister of Education and Culture and his staff not to omit the religious phrase in the 2020-2035 PJPN.

"This is part of being obedient to the constitution in our government", said Arsul.