Why MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani Visited the Constitutional Court

People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani has explained the reason for his institution’s visit to the Constitutional Court (MK) on Wednesday, 9 July 2026. Muzani stated that besides conveying readiness for the annual session, the MPR’s visit was aimed at involving the Court in the process of drafting the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN) and potential amendments to the 1945 Constitution. “It is in the context of involving all elements that we are holding discussions with the MK and others,” Muzani said after meeting with MK leaders on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. Muzani also mentioned plans to discuss with President Prabowo Subianto the determination of the legal form of the PPHN and the fifth amendment, though the meeting remains on the agenda. Muzani said Prabowo warned the MPR to be careful in drafting the PPHN and the fifth amendment, as constitutional amendments concern the livelihoods of many people in statehood, democracy, and constitutional life. “The President warned us not to rush, while also absorbing public aspirations and involving all elements in this process,” said the Gerindra Party politician. The desire to revive a state policy direction has actually been rolling since the 2009-2014 MPR period, but discussions have never been completed. Before the third amendment to the 1945 Constitution in 2001, the state direction known as the Broad Outlines of State Policy (GBHN) was enshrined in the constitution. That amendment also removed the MPR’s authority as the MPR’s mandatory and its power to issue decrees. Following the third amendment, the House of Representatives (DPR) created Law Number 25 of 2004 on the National Development Planning System, which governs state direction in national development affairs. The plan for a fifth amendment to the Constitution resurfaced in 2024 after then-MPR Speaker Bambang Soesatyo conducted a National Gathering activity, meeting with several state figures and parties. In his meeting with Amien Rais, the MPR leadership discussed the possibility of amendments regarding changes to the governance of presidential and vice-presidential candidate selection. The discussion regarding the potential change in the governance of presidential and vice-presidential candidates was also highlighted by political parties. Democratic Party High Council Secretary Andi Alfian Mallarangeng assessed that the proposal to return the authority to the MPR to elect the president was outdated and ahistorical. “This nation has come a long way in terms of democracy, namely that the presidential election is carried out directly by the people through general elections,” Andi said when contacted by Tempo on 9 June 2024.