Factions open door to reforming the Constitution
Factions open door to reforming the Constitution
JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly removed on
Thursday the longtime barriers for amendments to the 1945
Constitution, an effort repeatedly thwarted during Soeharto's 32-
year rule.
The five factions' representatives on Commission B approved
the revocation of a stipulation that a referendum be held before
amendments could be made to the Constitution.
Both the United Development Party (PPP) and dominant political
grouping Golkar appeared most outspoken about their intention to
introduce changes.
But Golkar legislator Andi Matalatta conceded there were no
concrete plans in the near future. He encouraged discourse on the
issue and promised to heed public demands.
"To cite an example, we can target all issues dealing with
presidency. We may find it necessary to hold direct presidential
elections or to scrap the president's status as the Armed Forces
highest commander," Andi said following the session deliberating
amendments to the Assembly's internal rules and a proposal to
lift the 1983 Assembly decree on referendum.
The 1945 Constitution took effect on Aug. 18, 1945, one day
after the proclamation of independence. The country enacted
different constitutions in 1949 and 1950, but returned to the
original in 1959 after the lawmaking body failed to draw up a new
constitution. Comprising just 37 chapters, the 1945 Constitution
is deemed one of the simplest constitutions in the world.
Paradoxically, the Assembly issued in 1983 the decree
requiring a referendum for any amendment to the Constitution,
despite chapter 37 stating an amendment needs only two-thirds
approval from a vote in an Assembly plenary session.
PPP senior legislator Zain Badjeber shared Andi's view on the
direct presidential election, saying his party might push for an
amendment on the issue.
"For a long time villagers have chosen their leaders through
direct elections. This could also apply to the higher political
posts," said Zain, who also chairs the commission.
Other amendments could be proposed to restrain a president's
power through a check-and-balance mechanism, Zain said.
Critics charge that the 1945 Constitution, investing a
president with wide-ranging legislative, executive and judicial
powers, was abused by Soeharto to retain his grip on power.
Andi, who also chairs the Golkar faction in the House of
Representatives, predicted the removal of the 1983 decree on
referendum would in turn restore public confidence in the
Assembly and ensure quality elections. (amd)