MPR: People's sovereignty must be examined through democratic practice
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the MPR RI Research Body, Yasonlar H. Laoly, stated that studies regarding people’s sovereignty from the perspective of Pancasila Democracy need to examine the practice of democratic implementation, rather than focusing solely on philosophical and constitutional aspects.
“We, as political practitioners, will look more extensively not just at the philosophy of the law, but also at the practice—how this manifestation of people’s sovereignty is realised and implemented to date,” Yasonna said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
During a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for Group I of the MPR RI Research Body in South Tangerang on Thursday (10/9), Yasonna noted that these discussions must be conducted continuously to obtain a clear picture of how people’s sovereignty is exercised in national life.
“We have discussed this theme in several places last year. We agreed, including the leadership, that this theme requires further in-depth study,” he said.
He explained that the study by Group I of the MPR Research Body specifically addresses people’s sovereignty from the perspective of Pancasila. To enrich the study, the MPR has gathered views from academics, practitioners, and researchers across various regions.
Yasonna stated that the principles of Pancasila Democracy are reflected in the second and fourth precepts of Pancasila: just and civilised humanity, and democracy led by the wisdom of deliberations among representatives.
“Pancasila Democracy can be seen through these two precepts… These are very abstract statements. We translate them into legislation,” he said.
The translation of these principles, Yasonna continued, is carried out through regulations regarding general elections, regional elections, and presidential elections. However, the existence of regulations is not enough, as their implementation also requires scrutiny.
“The issue lies in the practice, the implementation, and so on,” he added.
Yasonlar noted that the MPR Research Body is also examining whether issues in democratic practice necessitate constitutional changes or can be resolved through the refinement of existing laws and regulations.
“Some believe we need to proceed to an amendment. This is being studied alongside the PPHN (State Policy Guidelines). Others suggest that it is sufficient to refine our legislative framework,” he said.
During the FGD, the MPR Research Body featured the Executive Director of Poltracking Indonesia, Hanta Yuda; the Executive Director of Charta Politika Indonesia, Yunarto Wijaya; and the Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia, Adi Prayitno.
Hanta stated that elections should serve as the gateway to people’s sovereignty, rather than the end of public participation.
Yunarto highlighted the potential gap between the interests of the political elite and public aspirations, as well as the importance of check and balance mechanisms.
Adi emphasised public participation as a vital component of people’s sovereignty, achieved through both elections and non-conventional means such as demonstrations, protests, and petitions.
These inputs will serve as material for the MPR Research Body to deepen its study on people’s sovereignty, including determining the need for regulatory or constitutional refinements to strengthen the practice of Pancasila Democracy.