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