Peran Lembaga Negara dalam Sistem Politik Indonesia Sebelum Amandemen

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The Indonesian political system has undergone significant transformations throughout its history, particularly with the implementation of the 1945 Constitution and subsequent amendments. Before the amendments, the role of state institutions played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape. This essay delves into the intricate relationship between state institutions and the Indonesian political system prior to the amendments, highlighting the key features and dynamics that characterized this era. #### The Dominance of the Executive Branch The pre-amendment era witnessed the dominance of the executive branch, particularly the President, in the Indonesian political system. The 1945 Constitution, as originally drafted, vested significant power in the President, making him the head of state and government. This concentration of power in the executive branch was further reinforced by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which served as the highest state institution and held the authority to elect the President. The MPR's role in selecting the President effectively gave the executive branch a significant advantage in the political system. #### The Limited Role of the Legislature The legislative branch, represented by the House of Representatives (DPR), played a relatively limited role in the pre-amendment era. The DPR's primary function was to legislate, but its power was constrained by the executive branch's dominance. The President had the authority to issue decrees and regulations, which often superseded legislative decisions. Moreover, the DPR's ability to hold the executive branch accountable was limited, as the President could dissolve the DPR and call for new elections. #### The Judiciary's Subservient Position The judiciary, represented by the Supreme Court, occupied a subservient position in the pre-amendment political system. The judiciary's role was primarily to interpret and apply the law, but its independence was compromised by the executive branch's influence. The President had the authority to appoint judges, and the judiciary's decisions could be overturned by the executive branch. This lack of judicial independence hindered the judiciary's ability to act as a check on the executive branch's power. #### The Role of Political Parties Political parties played a significant role in the pre-amendment era, but their influence was often limited by the executive branch's dominance. The ruling party, Golkar, enjoyed significant advantages, including access to state resources and media. Opposition parties faced significant challenges in competing with the ruling party, and their ability to influence policy was often limited. #### The Impact of the Pre-Amendment System The pre-amendment political system, characterized by the dominance of the executive branch and the limited role of other institutions, had a significant impact on Indonesian politics. This system contributed to a concentration of power in the hands of the President, which could lead to authoritarianism and corruption. The limited role of the legislature and judiciary hindered accountability and transparency, while the dominance of the ruling party limited political competition and pluralism. The pre-amendment era in Indonesian politics was marked by a system that concentrated power in the executive branch, limiting the roles of the legislature and judiciary. This system, while contributing to stability, also fostered a lack of accountability and transparency, ultimately leading to the need for constitutional amendments to address these shortcomings. The amendments introduced significant changes to the Indonesian political system, empowering the legislature and judiciary and promoting a more balanced distribution of power. These changes aimed to create a more democratic and accountable system, ensuring greater participation and representation for all citizens.