Going too far?<\/p>\n
Constitutional reform is on the brink of stagnation. The
\ndebate surrounding constitutional amendments has increased in
\nintensity of late. There are strong signs that moves to amend the
\n1945 Constitution may not happen, or may become deadlocked.<\/p>\n
It this happens, the country again will be threatened with a
\nconstitutional crisis, which could cause a setback in democracy
\nto the point of national disintegration. Unfortunately, there are
\nfears that it is the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) itself
\nthat is attempting to frustrate the amendment process.<\/p>\n
The 1945 Constitution has been amended three times before.
\nAccording to the original plan, the annual session of the MPR in
\nAugust was to endorse the fourth amendment. But with the session
\napproaching, there are forces attempting to hamper and derail the
\namendment process. Some parties that previously agreed to the
\nconstitutional amendments are now opposed to the process. And
\nsome peculiar arguments have emerged to justify this opposition,
\nsuch as the amendments go too far.<\/p>\n
The declaration that something has gone beyond its proper
\nlimits has no clear criteria or definition. This argument has in
\nfact simply become the main indicator of the status quo group,
\nwhich enjoys the benefits of reform and the comfort of the
\ncurrent conditions. Therefore, this groups shuns any change.<\/p>\n
The 1945 Constitution is no sacred legacy. Furthermore,
\nhistory has proven its lack of flexibility.<\/p>\n
The different demands of the current era can no longer be met
\nand borne by the original constitution. They insist on the
\namendment of the 1945 Constitution. Preventing this amendment,
\nsaying that it goes too far, will cost the nation dearly.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/going-too-far-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }