Going too far?

Going too far?

Constitutional reform is on the brink of stagnation. The debate surrounding constitutional amendments has increased in intensity of late. There are strong signs that moves to amend the 1945 Constitution may not happen, or may become deadlocked.

It this happens, the country again will be threatened with a constitutional crisis, which could cause a setback in democracy to the point of national disintegration. Unfortunately, there are fears that it is the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) itself that is attempting to frustrate the amendment process.

The 1945 Constitution has been amended three times before. According to the original plan, the annual session of the MPR in August was to endorse the fourth amendment. But with the session approaching, there are forces attempting to hamper and derail the amendment process. Some parties that previously agreed to the constitutional amendments are now opposed to the process. And some peculiar arguments have emerged to justify this opposition, such as the amendments go too far.

The declaration that something has gone beyond its proper limits has no clear criteria or definition. This argument has in fact simply become the main indicator of the status quo group, which enjoys the benefits of reform and the comfort of the current conditions. Therefore, this groups shuns any change.

The 1945 Constitution is no sacred legacy. Furthermore, history has proven its lack of flexibility.

The different demands of the current era can no longer be met and borne by the original constitution. They insist on the amendment of the 1945 Constitution. Preventing this amendment, saying that it goes too far, will cost the nation dearly.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta