Minister Yusril Stresses Rule of Law and Civil Servant Integrity at IPDN

The rule of law and integrity are of one breath. Legal consciousness must return to one’s conscience.

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra affirmed that the rule of law and the integrity of civil servants (ASN) form the foundation of fair governance oriented towards the public interest.

Delivering a public lecture at the Institute of Internal Governance (IPDN) in Sumedang, West Java, on Monday, Yusril said the rule of law and integrity are two inseparable pillars in realising a democratic and just government.

“The rule of law and integrity are of one breath. Legal consciousness must return to one’s conscience,” Yusril said, as confirmed in Jakarta.

According to him, governmental authority derives from the constitution and legislation, not from the power or personal capability of individual officials. Therefore, every decision must be grounded in law.

Yusril said a state governed by the rule of law places it as the basis of every governmental act. However, the law must not be interpreted narrowly and rigidly, but must be capable of delivering justice.

“The law must not become rigid. The law must be able to deliver justice while taking into account the values alive within society,” he said.

Yusril also stressed that the rule of law will not run effectively without the integrity of state officials. According to him, religion, ethics and the constitution are three pillars that must be upheld simultaneously to strengthen democracy and law enforcement.

Through the lecture themed “Strengthening the Rule of Law and ASN Integrity in Realising Just Governance”, Yusril expressed hope that the cadets would become professional, principled state officials who make the law their primary foundation in administering government.

On that occasion, Yusril also received the Kartika Astha Brata Utama award and was named an Honorary Alumnus of Higher Education in Governance (Pendidikan Tinggi Kepamongprajaan) by IPDN for his contributions to the development of governance and governance education.