Megawati: The Republic Is Not for a Select Few

President Megawati Soekarnoputri, a towering figure in Indonesian politics and the nation's fifth president, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the fundamental principle that the Republic of Indonesia is the collective property of its entire populace. Speaking at the inauguration of Professor Emeritus Arief Hidayat at the University of Borobudur, Jakarta, she unequivocally stated her concern over any discourse that seeks to position the nation as the domain of a select group, reinforcing that "This Republic of Indonesia belongs to all of us."

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This Republic of Indonesia belongs to all of us.

Her address also served as a robust defense of Indonesia's democratic achievements, particularly the direct presidential election system. Megawati voiced strong opposition to proposals advocating for a return to indirect elections, dismissing arguments centered on the high cost of the current electoral process. She drew a historical parallel to the 1955 elections, which she noted were conducted successfully despite limitations, questioning the rationale behind the current cost concerns.

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If now it is said that the cost is high, that is strange to me.

Furthermore, President Megawati cautioned against the creeping "homogenization" within state institutions, including the legislative and judicial branches. She decried the emergence of a "yes-man" culture and a "ready, commander" mentality, which she argued poses a significant threat to the independence of these institutions and the integrity of the justice system. Drawing from past experiences, she highlighted the peril of decisions being made solely on the basis of orders from superiors, without due consideration for legal correctness, thereby eroding the very essence of justice.

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The culture of 'asal bapak senang' (as long as the boss is happy) and the mentality of 'siap komandan' (ready, commander) are potentially eroding the independence of state institutions and legal justice.

In her closing remarks, Megawati lauded Professor Arief Hidayat's intellectual courage, particularly his past dissenting opinions within the Constitutional Court, as a testament to integrity. She urged academics and students to remain vigilant guardians of conscience and justice, ensuring that legal frameworks serve the public interest rather than becoming mere instruments of power. This call to action resonates deeply within Indonesia, where the balance between state authority and public welfare remains a constant and critical dialogue.

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Legal decisions should not be made solely based on orders from superiors without considering legal truth.