The Indonesian Constitution established in 1945, after Indonesia’s fought for independence, together with the state ideology “Pancasila”, which includes the equality of the most represented five religions (Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism and Buddhism), is currently brought back into discussion as concerns especially from the Islamic point of view about the significance of the “Pancasila” are increasing and partly undermining the spirit of the Indonesian Constitution.

Within this framework the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Indonesia launched a seminar series on the topic “Constitution and Civic Education” together with several Indonesian partner institutions aiming to discuss the need of civic education in line with constitutional values. Dedicated expert, the former German Constitutional Court Judge, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Bross had been invited to enter in a dialogue with renowned colleagues and personalities from Indonesia. The 7th lecture travel of Prof. Bross to Indonesia was carried out in cooperation with the following institutions:

• On 10th November 2011 in cooperation with The Habibie Center (THC) in Jakarta
  Title: “Constitutional Reform and Civic Education: Comparative Perspectives and Shared Experiences in Germany and Indonesia”
  
  This seminar dealt with the issues of civic education in the German and Indonesian society. Prof. Bross emphasized in his speech that in order to avoid growing radicalism in a society it is important to equally integrate all members of a nation into its society and thus establish a sound civic education. His Indonesian counterpart, Dr. Harjono, a judge of the Indonesian Constitutional Court, mentioned that the young Indonesian democracy is still in a phase of development in which several challenges have to be faced. However, he underlined the benefits of a solid democratic system which has to be continuously monitored by political institutions and the society.
  
  

• On 11th November 2011 in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Jakarta
  Title: “The Separation of Authorities of Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in Germany”
  
  In this lecture Prof. Bross explained the specific differences between the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court in Germany to experts and employees of the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Giving several examples he illustrated and explained the processes of decision-making at the two institutions in order to discuss diversities between the German and the Indonesian higher court. After this lecturing, the audience of the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, among others Ms. Cholila of the Directorate for Legal Drafting, entered into a discussion about the actual task distribution between the two highest courts in Indonesia and a possible dissemination towards Indonesian conditions.
  
  

• On 12th November 2011 in cooperation with Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) in Yogyakarta
  Title: “Significance of Constitutional Issues for Civic Education”
  
  The aim of this seminar was to add new contents to the state ideology “Pancasila” and thus establish a basis for civic education in Indonesia. Prof. Bross mentioned the significance of the constitution for civic education and emphasized the German Basic Law as a system of a Christian-social value order. His Indonesian counterpart, Dr. Akil Mochtar, judge of the Indonesian Constitutional Court, stressed out that “Pancasila” is a part of the Indonesian constitution and thus place a role in the decision-making process of the constitutional court. Mr. Masnur Marzuki, researcher at the Universitas Islam Indonesia lectured especially about practical aspects of the implementation of civic education at Indonesian schools.
  
  

• On 14th November 2011 in cooperation with Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) in Makassar
  Title: “Development and Relationship of the Constitutional Courts in Germany and Indonesia”
  
  This event aimed at emphasizing the excellent and longstanding cooperation between the German and the Indonesian Constitutional Court. Former Indonesian constitutional court judge, Prof. Dr. H.M. Laica Marzuki, in his keynote speech pointed out the role of this good cooperation, which also influenced the establishment of this Indonesian court significantly. In addition, Prof. Bross underlined the importance of an independent status of the German Constitutional Court which should also be preserved for its Indonesian counterpart.
  
  

• On 16th November 2011 in cooperation with the Jimly School of Law and Government in Jakarta
  Title: “Constitutional Court Rules and Procedures”
  
  In this workshop Prof. Bross explained detailed the procedures at the German Federal Constitutional Court in comparison to other courts in Germany. By that, he gave input to a discussion about the procedural problems at the Indonesian Constitutional Court and how appropriate mechanisms and procedures can be developed to improve the Indonesian legal system. Further keynote speakers at this event were the former constitutional chief justice of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Jimly Asshiddiqie, and Dr. Maruar Siahaan, former judge of the constitutional court in Indonesia.