MPR Speaker: Constitution Amendment Will Not Cover Presidential Election Articles

Speaker of the MPR Bambang Soesatyo accompanied President Jokowi in delivering a press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (16/10). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo assured that inputs for the amendment to the 1945 Constitution will not snowball into other sectors.

“We will ask for consultation with the President as the Head of Government and Head of State, and as one of the nation’s stakeholders,” Bambang told reporters after a meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo along with other MPR Speakers, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/10).

The Speaker went on to say that the MPR is not rushing into making the decision, but will carefully accommodate all aspirations which are raised in the society.

Bambang also confirmed that there is no amendment to constitutional articles on the presidential election which was rumored to be amended from the people’s choice to the MPR’s choice, like in the New Order regime.

“There will be no changes to the articles,” he firmly said.

In the meantime, President Jokowi asserted that the most important things in the process of amendment are in-depth studies, and inputs from all layers of society including prominent figures, academicians, and the public in general which will be accommodated for the draft of the amendment.

Therefore, the President called on all sides to allow the MPR to conduct studies and accommodate all inputs. (MAY/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani