Parties Respond to PDIP's Constitutional Amendment Suggestion

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The plan to hold a limited government amendment of the 1945 Constitution (UUD) that was initiated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) is still far from a collective agreement. Many question the Articles subjected by the amendment and also its urgency.

The PDIP proposed an amendment on the authority of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in deciding the nation’s course which was known as the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN). This proposition would need to see Article 2 and 3 of the 1945 Constitution to be amended, which oversees existence, legal status, and the authority of the MPR.

Responding to this issue, Golkar Party questioned the urgency behind the plan and urged MPR to answer two questions before commencing the amendment; is the GBHN still relevant to this day as the general elections have changed and the president is no longer mandatory of the MPR.

PKB, NasDem Party, and PPP, all agree to the amendment plan to a certain degree and requirements. This sentiment was also shared by opposition Party Gerindra that would only agree to the plan if the amendment’s commenced by returning the UUD 1945 to its original version.

As for the PKS Party and PAN, they agree that a GBHN is needed to further materialize what is mandated by the constitution. Democrat Party announced that the party will announce its position after it conducts internal discussions regarding the matter before officially responding to PDIP’s suggestion.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI