MPR Speaker: Reinstating GBHN Must Not via Constitution Amendment
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14 October 2019 09:05 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Bambang Soesatyo stated there are many options to reinstate the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN) without amending the 1945 Constitution.
“It can be through the issuance of law. If a law can bind all Indonesian people including the next president, governor, mayor or regent, why not [issuing it]? It does not have to be through an amendment,” said Bambang during a special interview with Tempo in his office, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Friday, Oct. 11.
Bambang opined that reinstating the GBHN by amending the constitution is not a fixed concept. The legislative body, he added, would lend an ear to the people’s aspirations in these 1-2 years and open to all options that could strengthen the presidential system.
“Some willing to reinstate GBHN through MPR by the amendment of the 1945 Constitution, some by a law issuance. We put them all on the table. We offer options to the public. This is the people's decision," Bambang remarked.
He further affirmed that the MPR would not recklessly make a decision on this agenda. “We truly realize that the implications are extraordinary. If we get it wrong, it cannot be fixed through a judicial review. So we are being mindful. We want zero complaints,” he added.
As of date, the faction that offered a limited amendment to the 1945 Constitution to revive the GBHN is PDIP. While others that offer it without amendment but law is Golkar.
Bambang further promised that he would embrace all interests even though he is part of the Golkar party. "My position is supporting options that strengthen the presidential system," he said.
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