Reform in a constitutional way

Reform in a constitutional way

From Merdeka

Certain sides say that reform should be constitutional, meaning that reform must be in line with the 1945 Constitution. Some of its articles read as follows:

Article 33, paragraph 1: the economy is organized as a joint effort based on the family principle. Explanation: priority is given to the people's welfare, not the individual's.

Yet our economy is replete with conglomerates which make people's lives miserable.

Article 2, paragraph 1: the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) consists of members of the House of Representatives (DPR) plus representatives of the provinces and groups according to the rules determined by law. Explanation: the intention is that the whole population, all groups, all provinces have representatives in the Assembly, so as to make the Assembly truly representative of the people.

Some mass organizations including students and NGOs are of the opinion that the DPR and the MPR do not adequately absorb the people's aspirations.

Article 24, paragraph 1: the judicial power should be in the hands of the Supreme Court and other judicial institutions according to law. Explanation: The judicial power is an independent power, meaning it is free from the influence of the government. In that context the position of judges must be guaranteed according to law.

The administrative connection of judges with the Ministry of Justice is seen as an obstacle to judicial power that is independent of the influence of the authorities.

Viewed from the 1945 Constitution, the demands voiced by students and mass organizations, as part of the Indonesian society, for political, judicial and economic reforms are legal and constitutional. It is the duty of the MPR/DPR and the government to immediately carry out the mandate.

IRWAN SYARIEF

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