The Chief Justice of the Indonesian Constitutional Court, Prof. Dr. Jimly Asshiddiqie, S.H. paid a media visit to Republika, a national newspaper on Thursday (22/2). Having been accompanied by the Courtâs Secretary General, Janedjri M. Gaffar, the Chief Justice was welcomed by the Managing, Ikhwanul Kiram Mashuri, ;the Marketing Director, Nuky Surachmad; Vice Managing Editor, Nasihin Masha; Editor, Arys Hilman; together with all the member of the Editors Board.
Conveying the welcome speech, Ikhwan expressed his gratitude to the Court for the cooperation. He also recalled that a big hit to the teachersâ event named Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Republika was due to Prof. Jimlyâs willingness to stand for the participants as the motivator. Therefore, Republika plans to re-invite the Chief Justice to a similar event only with a larger number of participants.
At the same time, knowing the Chief Justice involvement to the debut of Republika, Ikhwan gave a brief report regarding the development of the newspaper, in terms of its increasing sales number and the focus to be the media for all aspects of ummah. He also noted that Republika is putting efforts in rising care for education, especially to the teacher.
Feels Like Going Home
Giving response to the speech, Prof. Jimly expressed his gladness for the development shown. He understands that at the moment Republika does not solely emphasize on business but is also being faithful (istiqamah) in standing for the idealism and moral values. Furthermore Jimly said that the âyoungâ Court is still in need of such media as Republika to become the media of the dissemination for the Court itself, its exclusionary rules, and the Constitution. He further hopes that the media is willing to assist the Court in performing its functions as the guardian and the sole interpreter of the Constitution; in controlling democracy, protecting citizensâ constitutional rights, and assuring human rights. For Jimly, coming to Republika feels like going home. He also expresses his wish that Republika shall contribute more in the efforts to enhance peopleâs moral; and asks the media to get involved in the civic education, especially in constructing the constitutional awareness among citizens. (ardli&pi2)
Monday, February 26, 2007 | 10:43 WIB 427