Ibas: PPHN Wajib Lahir dari Konsensus dan Partisipasi Publik

Vice Chairman of the DPR/MPR, Ibas, firmly stated that the formation of the Pancasila Underlying Law (PPHN) must be built through national consensus and broad public participation. According to him, a law of this magnitude cannot be drafted behind closed doors.

This statement was conveyed in the latest forum as the bill continues to be discussed. Ibas emphasized that the substance of the PPHN touches the foundations of the nation and the rights of every single citizen.

• The formation of the PPHN must be born out of national consensus.
• Public participation is considered a mandatory element, not a mere complement.
• Ibas calls for an open and transparent deliberation process.
• The content of the PPHN relates to Pancasila as the basis and the protection of human rights.
• The draft position was delivered in a relatively short time frame.

Drafting Process Under Scrutiny

The drafting stage of the PPHN is considered the most decisive phase. Once the draft is agreed upon, it will enter a more structured series of deliberations. At that stage, differences of opinion tend to narrow, and public input begins to shrink.

This is exactly why Ibas insists on openness from the very beginning. He assesses that a law born without public participation risks losing legitimacy, even if it manages to pass formally.

"The people are the owner of this mandate. They must be involved from the start, not just notified at the end," he stressed in a tone that was firm but non-confrontational.

Substance That Touches the Foundation of the Nation

The PPHN is not an ordinary bill. The discussion covers two core matters, namely Pancasila as the ideological foundation, and human rights as a constitutional guarantee.

Both elements have been debated for years. Supporters argue that the two need to be united into one strong legal framework. Critics worry that the arrangements could generate new problems if written carelessly.

• Pancasila serves as the state's ideological foundation and is widely seen as non-negotiable.
• Human rights are guaranteed in the 1945 Constitution and must be protected in law.
• The two are expected to be merged into a single legal instrument.
• Drafting arrangements determine whether the resulting law is accepted by the public.

Openness as a Requirement, Not an Option

In Ibas's view, public participation is a requirement rather than an option. He asked that the drafting team provide space for the public to submit aspirations and objections.

He also reminded that the process of forming the PPHN must not be narrowed to elite circles. Regions, civil society organizations, and academic communities all need a channel to convey their views.

"If we want a PPHN that truly lives in the hearts of the people, the people have to be present in the room where it is written," he said.

Next Steps Awaiting Signal

The fate of the PPHN now depends on the openness of the next deliberation stage. Observers note that the attitude of the drafting team will be closely watched.

If the consensus approach succeeds, the draft bill can accelerate towards discussion in the DPR. If it stalls, the issue could be pushed back into a longer debate.

Saksi mata from the forum confirmed that the atmosphere remained tensely open. Several quarters expressed appreciation for Ibas's reminder that consensus must not be manufactured unilaterally.

The message is clear: the PPHN will only be strong when it is owned by the nation together.