The Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM) once again held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as part of its collaboration with the General Secretariat of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI). This third FGD addressed the theme “Synergy Between the Powers of the People’s Consultative Assembly and the Constitutional Court in Upholding the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia” and took place in Room B55, Building B of the UGM Faculty of Law on Friday (September 12, 2025). This event is a continuation of a series of academic studies aimed at strengthening understanding and formulating constitutional synergy between the MPR and the Constitutional Court—two high state institutions that play a crucial role in safeguarding and upholding the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
This FGD featured a number of experts and academics in constitutional law, both as speakers and as members of the team drafting the study’s content. The keynote speakers, Dr. Zainal Arifin Mochtar, S.H., LL.M., and Dr. Idul Rishan, S.H., LL.M., presented critical perspectives and strategic ideas regarding the strengthening of the MPR’s role in Indonesia’s constitutional system. This academically guided discussion further enriched the discourse on the boundaries and potential for synergy between the MPR’s and the Constitutional Court’s (MK) authorities in constitutional practice.
In addition, the academic research team from the UGM Faculty of Law played an active role in the drafting and discussion process, consisting of Dr. Yance Arizona, S.H., M.H., M.A., Andy Omara, S.H., M.Pub & Int.Law., Ph.D., Rizky Septiana Widyaningtyas, S.H., M.Kn., and Dr. Mahaarum Kusuma Pertiwi, S.H., M.A., M.Phil. Their participation demonstrates the synergy between academic thought and practical policy needs, so that the outcomes of the discussion are expected to provide substantive input for strengthening a democratic, participatory, and constitutional system of government.
This FGD also reflects the Faculty of Law at UGM’s tangible contribution to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the strengthening of academic research and constitution-based policy advocacy, this activity supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance of state institutions. Furthermore, the involvement of faculty members and young researchers aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), as it creates opportunities for academic capacity building that directly impacts the quality of public policy. Furthermore, the collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Law and the MPR RI is a concrete manifestation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which highlights the importance of synergy between universities and state institutions in building a resilient and sustainable system of government.
