MPR Annual Session, Ahmad Muzani: Independence Day a Moment for National Reflection

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The People's Consultative Assembly or MPR reminds that the 80th anniversary of independence should serve as a moment for reflection and moral evaluation, as well as for formulating new steps for the nation moving forward. The MPR also invites all sectors to recommit to the agenda of eradicating corruption, collusion, and nepotism. This is because corruption is not only a legal or financial crime but also a betrayal of the spirit of independence and democracy, even destroying the hopes of future generations.

This was conveyed by the Chairman of the MPR Ahmad Muzani during the Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD 2025 at the Nusantara Building, Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday (15/8/2025). Present at the event were President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, as well as the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the 7th President Joko Widodo.

Several former Vice Presidents were also present, including Tri Sutrisno, M Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma’ruf Amin. In addition, the wife of the 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, was also present accompanied by her daughter, Yenny Wahid. The wife of the 9th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Hamzah Haz, Soraya Haz, was also in attendance.

In his speech, Ahmad Muzani conveyed that the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia is not merely a significant number mathematically, but also monumental from a historical perspective. The commemoration of independence should not only be about celebrating the past, but also about reflecting on the nation's journey from time to time, as well as serving as a gateway to work harder in realizing national aspirations.

"Independence Day commemoration is not just a ceremony. It is a space for reflection and evaluation of constitutional morality," said Muzani.

On that occasion, Muzani also invited all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the eradication of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). According to him, corruption is not only a legal or financial crime but also a betrayal of the spirit of independence and democracy.

"Corruption can undermine the legitimacy of the state, destroy the hopes of future generations, and tarnish the spirit of our nation," Muzani said.

He also reminded that the ethics of national life, as stated in MPR Decree Number VI/MPR/2001, must be realized through honest political behavior, clean governance, just law, and a culture of knowledge and sustainable ecology.

Muzani also appreciated the government's efforts in addressing corruption cases through law enforcement officials, whom he deemed increasingly assertive. This step is considered a preliminary measure that must be consistently supported by all parties.

Muzani also conveyed three roles of the MPR, namely as a national house, guardian of the constitution, and protector of the people's sovereignty. As a national house, the MPR serves as a forum for dialogue to unite differences for the common good.

Not only that, the MPR as the guardian of the constitution also ensures that constitutional values are applied in every aspect of state life. Meanwhile, as the protector of the people's sovereignty, Muzani ensures that the MPR monitors every state policy to always favor the people.

The MPR also has a significant responsibility to uphold and maintain the bonds of nationality. According to Muzani, one way to achieve this is by instilling the values contained within the four pillars of national life, namely Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

"Consistency in practicing these four pillars is a fortress that keeps the nation strong in facing global challenges," said Muzani.

Furthermore, the MPR has also completed its review of the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN). According to Muzani, the completion of this review was presented in a joint meeting attended by all faction leaders and DPD groups on August 6, 2025.

Therefore, he requested all parties to contribute their input in the upcoming discussions. However, he has not yet mentioned when this PPHN will be discussed.

"Regarding this matter, we invite all state institutions, academics, community leaders, mass organizations, and all layers of Indonesian society to express their views and opinions to provide input on this issue," he stated.

Muzani also mentioned that Constitution Day, which falls on August 18, will be an appropriate moment to reflect on the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. However, more than that, the Constitution also needs to be continuously reviewed to remain alive and relevant in the face of changing times.

"Our constitution is not merely a legal document, but a living constitution that ensures we remain united as a whole nation," he continued.

On that occasion, Muzani also praised President Prabowo's leadership over the past 10 months. He mentioned several flagship programs that have been launched by the government and claimed that the benefits are beginning to be felt by the community. These programs include free nutritious meals, red and white cooperatives, community schools, and free health check-ups.

The government's program, Muzani continued, has demonstrated a strong determination to make Indonesia a competitive and sovereign country in the world.

"The direction of development has been established towards food independence, energy resilience, national defense, and technological excellence. Programs such as downstream processing, development of border areas, digitalization of public services, and strengthening of MSMEs have become important engines for creating an inclusive and resilient economy in the face of global uncertainties," said Muzani.

According to Muzani, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the actualization of the implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia is not merely a promise. By prioritizing economic independence and managing natural resources for national interests, the government has endeavored to realize what is mandated by that Article 33.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Syuro Council of PKS, who is also a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKS faction, Moh. Sohibul Iman, considers the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence a significant moment as it reflects the maturity of the Indonesian nation in its historical journey.

According to him, the direction of filling independence must be in line with the ideals enshrined in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, namely the achievement of justice, prosperity, and welfare for all Indonesian people.