Head of DPD Group in MPR Supports Launch of Two MPR RI Books
The Head of the DPD RI Group in the MPR RI, Dedi Iskandar Batubara, has welcomed the launch of two MPR RI books that record Indonesia’s constitutional journey, ranging from the institutional history of the MPR to the records of the amendments to the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945).
The launch of the two books took place at the Merdeka Building in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday (27/9). The venue for the launch also served as a witness to several significant events in national history, namely the Asian-African Conference (KAA) in 1955. The event was held under the theme ‘Preserving Constitutional Memory: The History and Records of the MPR in Strengthening Indonesian Democracy’.
Dedi expressed his hope that all events within Indonesia’s statehood must be documented. “Because writing (about statehood) becomes a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” Dedi stated in a written statement on Sunday (27/9/2026).
Dedi also noted that the contents of a book encompass records, findings, and summaries of various perspectives. “I believe this is very natural. This book is thematic regarding the constitution,” said Dedi.
Dedi assessed that the books could provide more comprehensive information to the current generation regarding the long journey of our nationhood, particularly in building the constitution. “There have been changes to our constitution, and all are explained scientifically and academically. This is important because it is history,” he emphasised.
Dedi added that the grand idea behind writing these books as a record to strengthen democracy is excellent. “We are explaining why we chose democracy as the best option in formulating our national and state life,” Dedi said.
Previously, the Chairman of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, positioned the publication of these books as part of an effort to maintain the nation’s memory of the long process of forming Indonesia’s constitutional system. Muzani stated that the choice of the Merdeka Building as the launch location holds historical significance. The building was the site of the 1955 Asian-African Conference, when 29 Asian and African nations gathered amidst the tensions of the Cold War.
According to him, the Merdeka Building is also linked to Indonesia’s constitutional journey, as it once hosted discussions by members of the Constituent Assembly regarding the future of the nation’s constitutional framework. “This building witnessed how the world’s future was determined by Asian and African nations. This building also witnessed how members of the Constituent Assembly formulated the future of Indonesia’s constitutional system,” Muzani concluded.