President opens congress of constitutional courts

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) here, Thursday, officially opened a regional congress of the Association of Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions of Asia (AACC).

"The constitutional reform in Indonesia that began in 1999, has placed the Constitutional Court in a very strategic position," the President said in his opening remarks.

The Head of State hoped that the congress would yield breakthroughs for the promotion of democracy of constitutionalism and civilization for legal enforcers that that could improve welfare, security, and justice.

The third congress is being held in Bali, from August 9 to 13 under the theme of "Advancement and Protection of Citizens Constitutional Rights".

The aim of the congress is to promote the development of democracy, laws and constitutional rights in Asia through exchange of information and experiences regarding constitutional issues. It will also strive for deepening cooperation and friendship among constitutional institutions across Asia.

Of the associations 16 members, 14 are participating in the congress. The countries are Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Turkey, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar. Pakistan and Uzbekistan do not attend the congress.

The first congress of the association was held in South Korea in May 2012 while the second was held in Turkey in April 2014.

Source: ANTARA