To amend or not to amend

To amend or not to amend

From Rakyat Merdeka

The debate over amending the 1945 Constitution has become increasingly heated among politicians, political observers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It is ridiculous that there is even the idea that if the amendments to the 1945 Constitution are implemented, it will harm the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police.

The authority to amend the Constitution rests with the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) but, of course, it must heed popular aspirations and take into account the consequences of introducing the amendments. If the amendments benefit the people, the nation and the state, they should be implemented.

On the contrary, if they harm the people and only comply with the demands voiced by a hand full of protesters, who have become the tools of politicians, it is appropriate not to implement them.

So, if the amendments benefit the people, they also benefit TNI and the police, and vice versa. In short, we should not blindly accuse TNI and the police of being against amendments. Perhaps they will suffer if the amendments eventually lead to national disintegration.

So we should not always be prejudiced against TNI and the police. All of us, including politicians, NGOs and political observers, should rely on our conscience in looking at the problems that our nation is facing. We should let MPR members decide what is best for our beloved nation and allow TNI and the police to play their roles so that they can maintain the sovereignty of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia.

JUHENDI

Tangerang, West Java