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Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman delivering an address in the open session of the 63^rd anniversary of Andalas University, Friday (13/9) at Andalas University, Padang. Photo by Humas MK/Agung.

PADANG, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman delivered an address in the open session of the 63^rd anniversary of Andalas University1956-2019 on “Innovation-Based HR Development for the Nation\\'s Glory” on Friday (13/9/2019). Constitutional Justice Saldi Isra, West Sumatra government officials, deans, deputy deans, program directors, lecturers, and students of Andalas University were in attendance.

Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman delivered an address on "Welfare State According to the 1945 Constitution and the Role of the Constitutional Court in Realizing It" said the role of the Constitutional Court to safeguard the values contained in the Constitution was important to be carried out in accordance with its rules by all state institutions and all citizens.

According to Justice Anwar, three things have the most influence in developing the concept of the welfare state in accordance with the 1945 Constitution. First, human resources that must be improved through education. Second, the development of people\\'s welfare. Third, democratic life as the state system.

To educate the nation, Justice Anwar said, an education system should be develop for the nation\\'s children without exception. The development of the education system must also refer to constitutional norms as a rule. Otherwise, the education system may later be reviewed by the people in the Constitutional Court.

"For example, the judicial review of state schools of international standard (SBI) or International School Pilot Project (RSBI). The system was tested by several citizens, guarded by activists from legal aid and anti-corruption institutions through the judicial review in the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court finally stated that the norm was contrary to the 1945 Constitution," he explained.

Justice Anwar added, the role of the Constitutional Court is to keep the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty in line with the norms contained in the Constitution, which has been realized in various Constitutional Court decisions. For example, the decision of the judicial review of Law Number 10 of 2008 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives, Regional Representatives Council, and Regional Legislative Council. "The decision of case number 22-24/PUU-VI/2008 which examined Article 214 of Law Number 10 of 2008 concerning the election of legislative members," he said.

He explained that in the legislative election cases, initially, elected legislative candidates would get seats in accordance with their list numbers set by their political parties. However, based on the Constitutional Court\\'s decision, now it is based on the number of votes. In the said decision, the Constitutional Court stated that the people are the main stakeholders in popular sovereignty, so they determine the election of legislative candidates contesting in the election.

Therefore, to maintain the democratic process, achieve expected election results, and realize the goals of the country in accordance with the mandate of the Constitution, cooperation and synergy of all elements of society are needed. All of these elements must synergize for the sake of maintaining popular sovereignty and create welfare for the people. "Likewise, for higher education academia, lecturers and scholars at various campuses are light for the community. An intelligent society is the main capital for the rise of a nation," he said.

Justice Anwar also congratulated Andalas University on its 63rd anniversary. "Happy Anniversary for all the Andalas University extended family. Hopefully all aspirations and endeavors of the entire Andalas University academic community can be realized receive blessings from Allah SWT," he concluded. (Agung/NRA)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti

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