Amendment to 1945 Constitution

Amendment to 1945 Constitution

From Media Indonesia

I thank God that the 2001 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session has failed to put the amendment to the 1945 Constitution into effect (Media Indonesia, Nov. 10).

As an old man who lived during the Dutch and Japanese colonial eras, I think that the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia and the 1945 Constitution are sacred and honorable. Changing it should be carried out in accordance with constitutional procedure.

Also, if it needs to be adjusted, this should not be done solely in the interests of certain groups or for the sake of expediency. It should only be changed in the long-term interests of the nation and state and should not be changed every time there is a change of administration.

I can only pray that my grandchildren and their peer group, which currently hold power and lead the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia, are able to maintain the country and the 1945 Constitution, as well as see and clearly determine if they really need to make amendments to the 1945 Constitution.

SURYONO SASTROHADIKUSUMO

Depok, West Java