REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan believes that maintaining pluralism and strengthening the nation's independence are currently the main challenges faced by Indonesia.
He said togetherness and unity were required in the face of the dynamics of life in the nation.
"The main challenge currently faced by the Indonesian nation is not to change the basis of the state as has occurred in Indonesia's history but to maintain pluralism and strengthen the nation's independence," he noted during a speech at the commemoration of Constitution Day at Gedung Nusantara IV in Jakarta on Friday.
He said Indonesian people need to forge togetherness and unity in facing the dynamics of life in society, nation, and state, both from within and outside the country.
According to Hasan, Indonesia's natural resources were currently being utilized by other nations, while Indonesia's population has become a market for foreign products.
"Hence, all elements of the Indonesian nation need to have awareness and commitment to respect the nation's pluralism and maintain diversity to safeguard the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he affirmed.
He believes the Constitution encourages the liberation of spirit to create a truly independent nation without colonialism, poverty, and backwardness.
He said the Constitution not only reflects independence from foreign colonization but also liberates the nation's children from oppression.
"Ultimately, the Constitution is not only a guarantee of sovereignty but also an endeavor to realize just economic prosperity and independence," he affirmed.
According to Hasan, as a foundation and the main law, the Constitution needs to be guarded, so that it can continue to remain a guiding force, since it was the consensus of all citizens who had summarized the state's aspirations and dreams to be realized in future.
He said several potential challenges and issues could hinder the realization of the dreams and aspirations of the Indonesian nation, so the constitutional values formulated by the founding fathers of the state should be understood and implemented by all Indonesian people.
"Constructive ideas for implementing constitutional values must involve the interests of all citizens without exception," he noted.
He said the Constitution will naturally continue to grow in accordance with the dynamics and needs of the Indonesian people.
Hence, the existing Constitution can continue to adjust to the demands of the changing times, especially in terms of facing challenges and obstacles in the nation's life.