MPR to socialize 1945 Constitution

MPR to socialize 1945 Constitution

JAKARTA: Due to poor public understanding of the 1945
Constitution and decrees issued by the People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR), the government intends to design a
familiarization program.

The plan was agreed upon in a consultative meeting between
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and MPR leaders on Friday in
Jakarta.

MPR Speaker Hidayat Nurwahid conveyed his concern over
people's -- including government official's -- poor understanding
of the Constitution and MPR decrees.

"There is concern that the public is no longer knowledgeable
when it comes to the Constitution and MPR decrees. This will
eventually jeopardize their awareness of state interests," he
told a joint media conference with Susilo at the State Palace.

Hidayat said that during the meeting, Susilo agreed to help
the MPR familiarize the public with the amended Constitution and
the decrees, and that the government would allot a special fund
for the dissemination program.

"We will start the program as soon as possible with government
officials at central and provincial level before targeting the
general public," said Susilo.

The meeting also agreed on the establishment of two special
teams to assist with the program.

Susilo said a better understanding of the Constitution would
help build nationalism. --JP