Civics is an education that can facilitate the instilment of values and norms. Therefore, civics should not only be taught by using cognitive methodologies, but also affective and psychomotoric methods.

The abovementioned statement was one of the messages conveyed by the Constitutional Justice Lieutenant General (Ret) Achmad Roestandi, SH. when briefing the teachers affiliated in the Civics Teachers’ Working Group of Bandung Regency/City about the Constitutional Court and the Constitutional Court authorities on Wednesday (20/6), in the Constitutional Court building. The meeting was also attended by the expert staff of the Constitutional Court, Machmud Aziz and the Head of the Research and Study Center of the Constitutional Court, Zainal Arifin.

The Constitutional Justice whose popular nickname is General, also encouraged the teachers to develop a creative teaching method. “So that the understanding on civics will also be in line with the attitude and morale,” he said firmly.

The General, who is fluent in Sundanese language also shared his first-hand experience on the condition in the United States which is perceived by the general public as not teaching a similar subject, but has in fact paid a serious attention in the instilment of patriotic values to students. “In the USA, patriotism is fostered by taking the students to cultural exhibitions and other places that reflect their national characteristics. As a matter of fact, children playground can be used for such purpose,” he described by providing example.

On the same occasion, Justice Roestandi also explained about the basis for the authorities granted by the 1945 Constitution to the Constitutional Court. The existence of the Constitutional Court is an implication of the reform which lead to the demand for the amendments to the 1945 Constitution. Roestandi described that the amendments to the 1945 Constitution have resulted in the establishment of various state institutions, the authorities of which might overlap and have the potential for causing conflicts. To anticipate the occurrence of disputes on authorities, the Constitutional Court has then been established. Moreover, the change in the supremacy of people’s sovereignty, which prior to the amendment was held by the Assembly, to be the constitutional supremacy, has resulted in the need for establishing an institution to observe the implementation of the 1945 Constitution, namely the Constitutional Court. Roestandi also added that another reason for the establishment of the Constitutional Court was the impeachment of President Abdurrahman Wahid which was based on political motives rather than legal reasons.

As a respond to a question raised by a teacher on the law enforcement in Indonesia, Justice Roestandi explained that there are at least four requirements for law enforcement, namely good legal system, competent and morally sound officers, supporting facilities and infrastructures as well as the legal awareness and the culture of the public. (Ardli)