Taufik Basari as a speaker for the Constitutional Webinar of the Faculty of Law of Borneo Tarakan University titled “The Constitution as the Guardian and Harmonizer of Pancasila,” Friday (7/26/2024). Photo by MKRI.

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JAKARTA (MKRI) — To enhance understanding of Pancasila, the Constitution, the Constitutional Court, and citizens’ constitutional rights, the Constitutional Court (MK) held a Constitutional Webinar titled “The Constitution as the Guardian and Harmonizer of Pancasila” by virtual on Friday, July 26, 2024. This webinar, organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Law of Borneo Tarakan University (FH UBT), featured Taufik Basari as a legal practitioner as well as a Member of Commission III of the People’s Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) and Deputy Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) Dissemination Agency. He engaged with students to discuss the importance of understanding the Constitution and Pancasila as guidelines for good citizenship.

Taufik began by explaining the long history of the formulation of the Constitution and Pancasila, as outlined in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution. He stated that the fundamental laws formulated during Indonesia’s struggle for independence have the strength to serve as a foundation and guide for the diverse backgrounds of Indonesian society. In this large house called Indonesia, every society must be aware of the importance of the strong foundation of Pancasila and the supporting pillars of the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika so that the nation does not easily falter or collapse.

“In the long journey of the Constitution and Pancasila, as Indonesian citizens and through our conscious choice and agreement to adopt them, the existence of the Constitution, which includes Pancasila, is a social contract of the Indonesian nation that must be obeyed, adhered to, and implemented within a governmental system tasked with making laws, enforcing agreed-upon laws, and punishing those who break the law. The mandate given to certain individuals (the government) must be based on this social contract (the Constitution) to create a harmonious, balanced, and dynamic life,” explained Taufik at an event also attended by Nur Asikin, Deputy Dean of the FH UBT and Chairman of the Regional Board of the Association of Lecturers of Constitutional Law and Administrative Law (APHTN HAN) of North Kalimantan.

At the end of his presentation, Taufik encouraged the students to truly understand the essence of Pancasila. He emphasized that each of its principles holds profound meanings and values that can be practiced to achieve harmony amid the country’s diversity.

After explaining the correlation between the Constitution and Pancasila, the students were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the presentation. One question came from a student named Arnita, who inquired about laws that still do not align with the values of Pancasila. Another question was posed by a student from Bengkulu University named Hadi Wira Hidayah, who asked about the existence of the Constitution in light of ongoing separatist movements in Papua, which disturb the unity and cohesion of the Indonesian nation.

In response to these questions, Taufik emphasized that the nation’s founders, who formulated the Constitution, placed Pancasila as a guiding principle (referred to as the guiding star by Bung Karno) to clarify the direction of national life. Regarding the issue of separatist movements, he stated that everything must be brought back to the “purpose of the state,” prioritizing the interests of the people. In short, he continued, once the social contract was agreed upon by Indonesian citizens, the state’s primary duty was to achieve justice for all elements of society.

“In this case, the state must address the crimes occurring through various efforts, from law enforcement to military approaches and our collective participation in creating peace. Thus, the interpretation of Pancasila as a guide can be fully realized. Therefore, as students, do not become pragmatic students, but rather become critical students to provide the best for Indonesia’s future,” Taufik responded.

Author            : Sri Pujianti
Editor             : Nur R.
Translator      : Intana Selvira Fauzi/Rizky Kurnia Chaesario (NL)

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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