USU Public Relations – The Faculty of Law of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FH USU), in collaboration with the Constitutional Studies Commission of the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), organized a Constitutional Dialogue to examine the implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and its relationship to MPR Decree No. XVI/MPR/1998. The discussion was held at International Room 05 of the Faculty of Law on Wednesday (July 15, 2026).

 

The Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, Prof. Dr. Eng. M. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., expressed his appreciation to the Constitutional Studies Commission of the MPR RI for selecting USU as the host institution for the academic forum.

 

In his remarks, Prof. Himsar emphasized that universities have a responsibility to safeguard the nation's intellectual foundation by providing academic forums that generate policy recommendations for the benefit of Indonesia.

"Universities must serve as spaces where ideas converge, where diverse perspectives are examined through academic inquiry, and where policy recommendations that advance the national interest are developed," he said.

 

He also expressed hope that academic collaborations of this nature would continue to support the realization of Golden Indonesia 2045.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Constitutional Studies Commission of the MPR RI, Taufik Basari, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., explained that the discussion forms part of a series of academic engagements conducted by the MPR RI at universities across Indonesia to gather scholarly input on the implementation of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.

"The Constitution belongs to all of us. Therefore, we seek perspectives from academics to ensure that its implementation remains aligned with the nation's ideals and can contribute to future policy improvements," he stated.

 

He stressed that the Constitution serves as the fundamental guideline for national life and governance, making continuous evaluation of its implementation essential. In particular, Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution received special attention because it establishes the principles of Indonesia's national economic system, including the role of the state in managing natural resources based on the principle of mutual cooperation.

 

According to Taufik Basari, the Constitution is a living constitution that must continue to evolve through active public participation. Consequently, universities have a strategic role in fostering constitutional understanding through education, research, and academic discussion.

"The Constitution is not merely a document written on paper; it must be understood and implemented in the daily life of the nation and the state," he remarked.

 

He also expressed hope that Universitas Sumatera Utara would continue to promote constitutional discourse through academic forums as part of its contribution to strengthening constitutional literacy and supporting national development.