New MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo Talks of Youth, Pancasila

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Golkar Party politician Bambang Soesatyo who has been recently appointed as the new People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman assessed that many young people did not acknowledge Pancasila as the country’s ideology. Bambang made the statement during his speech in the third plenary session, Thursday evening, October 4.

“We face harder challenges because many young people no longer acknowledge Pancasila, even some favor other ideologies instead of Pancasila,” said Bambang at Kura-Kura building, in the Parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta.

He said the phenomenon is the current challenge that must be dealt with by the executive and legislative bodies. He expected high state institutions, especially the MPR, jointly flourish the value of Pancasila to the public.

According to Bambang, the MPR must expose its existence by resolving ideological issues among the public. The duty on ideological reinforcement is stipulated on the revisions of Law on MPR-DPR-DPRD and DPD or MD3 Law.

In the legislation, the Assembly and the Council are obliged to disseminate the state's four pillars, namely Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

“We truly hope for the support from all members of MPR who also play a role as the agent of the four pillars in their respective regions,” he concluded.

Bambang Soesatyo was announced the chairman of MPR for the period of 2019-2024 by acclamation on Thursday night, October 3. The former House speaker was inaugurated after Gerindra Party withdrew its nominee Ahmad Muzani. Bambang gained support from eight political factions of the DPR (House of Representatives) and the majority of DPD (Regional Representative Council).

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA