Megawati emphasises strengthening democracy through legal institutions
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri has affirmed that the establishment of various state institutions during her administration was part of efforts to strengthen the democratic system and Pancasila-based law enforcement.
In her national oration at the inauguration of Arief Hidayat as Professor Emeritus in Constitutional Law at Borobudur University, Jakarta, on Saturday, Megawati stated that the institutional foundations were designed to safeguard the sovereignty of law and the legitimacy of power.
“As the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, I have laid the framework for a comprehensive system of democracy and law. During my leadership, the MK (Constitutional Court), KY (Judicial Commission), BNN (National Narcotics Agency), KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission), PPATK (Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre), and Densus-88 were born,” she said in her statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
She emphasised that the formation of these institutions represents a strategic step to strengthen state governance while ensuring that the law operates independently and accountably.
Megawati also highlighted the importance of a democratic system that provides strong legitimacy to leaders, including through direct presidential elections.
According to her, strengthening this system must be accompanied by leadership commitments that leave no room for compromise on legal violations.
In addition to institutional aspects, Megawati encouraged academics to play an active role in maintaining the quality of democracy by boldly voicing the truth.
“Use legal knowledge as a tool for liberation. Remember the principle of Satyam Eva Jayate; in the end, truth will prevail,” she said.
She reminded of the importance of the role of “organic intellectuals” who not only act as observers but also as guardians of justice values amid social and political dynamics.
Megawati assessed Arief Hidayat’s thoughts on the rule of law as a living system as a reminder that the law must continue to side with the people.
“Congratulations to Prof. Arief Hidayat. May we all be able to keep the flame of Pancasila and the flame of justice burning towards a dignified future for the nation,” she said.
This affirmation is seen as an impetus to further strengthen the role of legal institutions and academics in upholding substantive democracy and ensuring that the law remains aligned with public interests.
For information, several professors from various universities and figures attended the inauguration event for Professor Emeritus in Constitutional Law, Prof. Arief Hidayat, by Borobudur University.
Among them were professors and great teachers including Saldi Isra, Mahfud MD, Yasonna Laoly, and Zudan Arif Fakrulloh.
Then, MK Chief Dr. Suhartoyo, PDIP DPP General Secretary Hasto Kristiyanto; PDIP DPP Chairman Ganjar Pranowo, and Bintang Puspayoga.