Head of the Human Resources and Organization Bureau Teguh Wahyudi with Head of the Finance Bureau Tatang Garjito officially opening the recharging program at The Hague University, the Netherlands, Monday (8/10). Photo by Humas MK.

THE HAGUE, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—Head of the Human Resources and Organization Bureau of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia Teguh Wahyudi officially opened the recharging program at The Hague University, the Netherlands, Monday (8/10/2019). In his remarks, Teguh sent regards to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Luz del Carmen Báñez Carranza, Dean of the Academy for Masters and Professional Courses at The Hague University Clemens Berendsen, as well as all participants, on behalf of the Chief Justice and Secretary General of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia (MKRI). "The Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court planned to attend this opening ceremony, but due to his tight court schedules, he was unable to attend," Teguh said.

Teguh talked about the important roles and positions of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia in the Indonesian constitutional system. According to him, MKRI is one of the judiciary in the Republic of Indonesia\'s constitutional system and institutions that has a good reputation and a high level of public trust. 

"Two months ago we resolved disputes over the results of the presidential and vice presidential elections as well as disputes over the results of the legislative election. The MKRI decisions are very important in the democratic process in Indonesia and all parties can properly accept the decisions of the Constitutional Court," Teguh explained. 

Teguh added that there was a demand for MKRI to continuously improve its organizational capacity and become a learning organization. Moreover, according to him, the Constitutional Court has a vision of "guarding the enforcement of the Constitution through the modern and reliable Constitutional Court." Based on this vision, the Court must improve its capacity and quality of human resources. "Therefore, the Constitutional Court created a program, namely a tailor-made program in the field of law or judicial training for its employees, in this case called the recharging program," he explained.

Closing his remarks, Teguh hoped that the university can provide guidance and learning experiences and practical experiences for developing the knowledge and experience of the participants. In addition, Teguh also hoped that the participating Court staff members would participate in all activities, improve knowledge and experience as much as possible, as well as not forget to always maintain the good reputation of MKRI. 

Dean of the Academy for Masters and Professional Courses at The Hague University Clemens Berendsen in his remarks expressed his appreciation for the cooperation in the recharging program that has been ongoing for three years. He hoped that it would continue. Berendsen also remind the participants to purchase thick jackets considering the uncertain weather in the Netherlands. "You remember yesterday when you arrived at the airport, it suddenly rained a little, and felt very cold. Don\'t get cold. You’d better immediately get familiar with the cold weather," said Berendsen with a smile.

In the end of the opening ceremony, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Luz del Carmen Báñez Carranza delivered an introductory lecture under the theme "A Human Rights Approach to the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." Carranza spoke of three main things: the protection of human rights in treaties; the right to identity as collective right-racial, social, cultural, and religious rights; and the right to property, land, and a healthy environment as essential elements for the survival of indigenous peoples.

In addition, Carranza also talked about provisions regarding the protection of indigenous peoples in various countries such as the Netherlands, America, Brazil, Suriname, and Indonesia. Specifically in Indonesia, according to him, the protection of indigenous peoples is already regulated in the new Constitution. He really hoped that MKRI would uphold the Constitution through its decisions. "I hope that all of you young people will continue to learn and then come together to protect the indigenous peoples," he urged the recharging program participants while closing his lecture. (Abdul Ghoffar/LA)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti