Constitutional experts oppose revival of New Order-era policy guidelines

Constitutional experts have voiced opposition to the revival of New Order-era policy guidelines, expressing concerns that the proposal could lead to a revival of the authoritarian political authority once held by the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR). The proposal, known as the state policy outlines (PPHN), is a long-term national development framework designed to guide policymaking across various presidential administrations.

The MPR leaders introduced the latest draft of the PPHN to President Prabowo Subianto earlier this month. However, discussions on the proposal have gained renewed attention, with MPR deputy speaker Eddy Soeparno stating that there are still ongoing studies to determine the most suitable legal avenue for adopting the PPHN. The three options being considered are a constitutional amendment, an MPR decree, or legislation passed by the House of Representatives.

The PPHN has been likened to the long-defunct state policy guidelines (GBHN) utilized during the New Order era under the previous president, Soeharto, who was Prabowo's former father-in-law. Constitutional experts are now more vocal in their criticism of the plan, questioning its necessity and warning that granting the PPHN binding force could undermine the democratic principles established in Indonesia's post-Reform constitutional system.

"We do not need the PPHN to become a development planning document since we already have the RPJP and RPJMN," stated Yance Arizona, a constitutional law lecturer at Gadjah Mada University, highlighting the existence of existing long-term and medium-term development plans.