https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105000362334

The role of local experts in the constitution-building process: the case of Indonesian Constitutional Commission

In global debates on constitution-making, the role of local experts often receives little attention. They are frequently seen as too closely tied to political interests to make an independent impact. The article “The role of local experts in the constitution-building process: the case of Indonesian Constitutional Commission” by Bambang Suryowidodo, Indra Perwira, Ali Abdurahman, and Mudiyati Rahmatunnisa challenges this assumption through the case of Indonesia’s Constitutional Commission, established during the amendments to the 1945 Constitution between 1999 and 2002.

While many scholars dismiss the Commission as a failed project because it did not significantly influence the final amendments or escape political interference, the study reveals another side of the story. The Commission played a crucial role in strengthening the legitimacy of the amended constitution, especially among academics, activists, and civil society groups. This legitimacy was essential in ensuring that constitutional reforms were not only enacted politically but also socially and intellectually recognized.

Beyond revisiting the place of local experts in constitution-building, the article underscores its connection to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By reinforcing the credibility of constitutional change in the eyes of civil society, the Commission contributed to the creation of more inclusive and resilient institutions—foundations that remain vital for Indonesia’s democratic consolidation.

Discover the research in detail here: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJPLAP.2025.143353