The constitution making is a sacred process and moment whereby it transcends below and above politics.

Those were the comments of Dr I  Ketut Putra Erawan, director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy – Bali, Indonesia, at the public lecture on Constitutional Reform on Indonesian Experience at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Dr Erawan said that all people must come together and be part of this process because constitutional making is a sacred moment.

The Director for Institute of Peace and Democracy spoke at length the challenges, choices and lessons of constitutional reform and how Fiji could learn and model the Indonesian experience as both are archipelagic states.

These include Indonesia’s transition from three decades of authoritarian rule to a stable democracy which is responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people.

In delivering a welcome address, the Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji His Excellency Chandra Salim reaffirmed that his country was ready to assist Fiji in preparation for the 2014 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, in giving his deliberations, said the values and principles were the most defining and vital features of a constitution.

“As announced by the Prime Minister, the constitution consultation process outlines some non-negotiable measures which include equal and common citizenry, one person, one vote, one value, elimination of ethnic voting and socio-economic rights for all citizens,” said Mr Khaiyum.

The public lecture was organized by the University of the South Pacific’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Education in conjunction with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

The forum also had a panel discussion on issues pertaining to the constitution process as Fiji prepares for general elections in 2014.

The panelists included: Dr Alumita Durutalo of School of Government, Development and International Affairs – University of the South Pacific, Professor Peter Larmour of School of Management and Public Administration – USP,  Nainendra Nand of School of Law –USP and Reverend Akuila Yabaki of Citizens Constitutional Forum.