Mahfud MD dan Kekecewaannya Terhadap Hukum | Endgame #214 (Luminaries)

TL;DR

Law is often overruled by politics, leading to corruption.

Transcript

MAHFUD MD: We've lost our identity and people of integrity. I'm disappointed — disappointed in the law. Law always loses to politics. Why? Because the law is a product of politics. There’s no such thing as a law that comes into existence by itself. Law is always created by those in political power. Democracy without law becomes wild and anarc... Read More

Key Insights

• Mahfud MD expresses frustration with the current state of law in Indonesia, highlighting how it is often overshadowed by political interests, which undermines its effectiveness and integrity.
• He discusses the historical tension between religious and nationalist groups in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of reconciling Islamic legal philosophy with the country's constitutional framework.
• Mahfud MD's career journey reflects his initial ambition to be a lecturer, but circumstances led him to various high-profile political roles, illustrating the unpredictability of career paths.
• The conversation touches on the importance of education in improving democracy, with Mahfud MD advocating for better teacher quality and educational policies to raise the nation's IQ and social mobility.
• He critiques the current state of democracy in Indonesia, arguing that without proper education and economic development, democracy can lead to demagoguery and vote-buying.
• The discussion highlights the need for strong law enforcement to ensure economic growth and attract foreign investment, with Mahfud MD calling for greater legal certainty and reduced corruption.
• Mahfud MD underscores the importance of leadership in achieving effective governance and law enforcement, suggesting that strong leadership can accelerate positive change.
• He reflects on the dynamic nature of international relations and the need for Indonesia to enhance its legal expertise in global diplomacy, particularly in territorial and geopolitical matters.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is Mahfud MD disappointed with the law?

Mahfud MD is disappointed with the law because he believes it is often overshadowed by political interests, which undermines its effectiveness and integrity. He argues that the law is a product of politics, and without proper democratic foundations, it becomes arbitrary. This leads to corruption and a lack of accountability, which frustrates his vision of a fair legal system.

Q: How does Mahfud MD view the relationship between Islamic law and the Indonesian constitution?

Mahfud MD views the relationship between Islamic law and the Indonesian constitution as one that requires careful reconciliation. He believes that the country's constitutional framework can accommodate Islamic legal philosophy, provided it upholds principles such as protecting religious freedom, human life, and property. He credits figures like Gus Dur and Nurcholish Madjid for helping to harmonize these aspects in the 1980s.

Q: What role does education play in improving democracy according to Mahfud MD?

According to Mahfud MD, education plays a crucial role in improving democracy by raising the nation's IQ and social mobility. He emphasizes the need for better teacher quality and educational policies to ensure that citizens are well-informed and capable of making sound democratic choices. This, he argues, will help prevent demagoguery and vote-buying, leading to a more robust democratic system.

Q: What are Mahfud MD's views on the current state of democracy in Indonesia?

Mahfud MD critiques the current state of democracy in Indonesia, arguing that it is plagued by demagoguery and vote-buying due to insufficient education and economic development. He believes that democracy requires certain prerequisites, such as an educated populace and a stable economy, to function effectively. Without these, democracy can become chaotic and lead to poor governance.

Q: How does Mahfud MD suggest improving law enforcement in Indonesia?

Mahfud MD suggests improving law enforcement in Indonesia by ensuring greater legal certainty and reducing corruption. He emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in achieving these goals and calls for a focus on law enforcement as a means of attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth. He highlights the need for a transparent and accountable legal system to build trust and stability.

Q: What does Mahfud MD see as the key to achieving effective governance?

Mahfud MD sees leadership as the key to achieving effective governance. He argues that strong leadership can accelerate positive change and address issues such as corruption and legal inefficiencies. By setting clear policies and enforcing laws consistently, leaders can create an environment conducive to economic growth and social development.

Q: How does Mahfud MD view Indonesia's role in international relations?

Mahfud MD views Indonesia's role in international relations as one that requires enhanced legal expertise and a clear articulation of its legal positions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding geopolitical dynamics and building a strong legal framework to navigate issues such as territorial disputes. By doing so, Indonesia can assert its interests and contribute to global diplomacy.

Q: What is Mahfud MD's ultimate ambition?

Mahfud MD's ultimate ambition is to be a lecturer, a dream that he has held since his early career. Despite his various political roles, he sees teaching as his true calling and plans to return to it as he approaches retirement. He views his political journey as an unexpected detour, describing it as 'ultra petita,' or a gift from God that exceeded his original aspirations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mahfud MD discusses his disappointment with the current state of law in Indonesia, emphasizing how it is often overruled by political interests, leading to corruption and undermining its effectiveness. He reflects on his career journey, from aspiring to be a lecturer to holding various political positions.

• The conversation covers the historical tension between religious and nationalist groups in Indonesia, highlighting the reconciliation of Islamic legal philosophy with the country's constitutional framework. Mahfud MD also discusses the importance of education in improving democracy and raising the nation's IQ.

• Mahfud MD critiques the state of democracy in Indonesia, arguing for better education and economic development to prevent demagoguery and vote-buying. He emphasizes the need for strong law enforcement and leadership to ensure economic growth and attract foreign investment, while reflecting on international legal relations.