MPR Reveals Key Points of PPHN, Constitutional Amendment Option Strengthens

The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) has revealed key points of the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) after completing its discussions, signalling readiness for the next legislative phase. MPR Deputy Speaker Eddy Soeparno stated that the PPHN is fundamentally designed to serve as a guiding framework for the nation’s future development, ensuring continuity across different administrations. “It provides very general, broad guidance, for example, on the future development of our democratic life,” Eddy said at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (6/8). He noted that the essential points of the PPHN will include guidelines for human resource development, law enforcement, and strengthening the economic sector through industrial downstreaming. Eddy emphasised that the PPHN will remain general in nature and will not regulate specific details, such as whether elections should be conducted under an open or closed list system. “Democratic politics is included, but we only regulate the broad outlines. There is nothing written about open or closed-list elections, nor about reducing or increasing electoral districts,” he explained. Following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto on 3 August, Eddy stated that the PPHN will be returned to the MPR’s Assessment Body for further legal maturation. Of the three available options for formalising the PPHN, he indicated that a constitutional amendment and an MPR Decree are the most seriously considered. The remaining option, enacting it through a standard law, is considered weak because it lacks strong legal standing. “A law can be challenged at the Constitutional Court if there is a dispute, and it could even be amended by a future head of state or government,” Eddy said.