Stepping on the age of 94 years, FHUI Encourages Alumni to Build a Better Law Civilization
October 28 was recorded in national history as a united moment of commitment of young leaders in the past to fight for the independence of the Indonesian nation. It is not widely known that along with the moment referred to as the ‘Youth Oath’, there was also another important historical moment.
The day was also the day of birth of the oldest Law School in Indonesia, which produced important intellectual figures of the founders of the Indonesian nation. Rechtshogeschool or Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid, which was opened on October 28, 1924, turned 94 on Sunday (28/10) with the name of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia.
History records that the circles of Meester in de Rechten (Mr) played an important role in the implementation of the ‘Youth Oath’. In the following period, they contributed to compiling the legal basis and governance principles of the state which is now called the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Like the architect who designed the construction of various buildings, law graduates played an important role in the establishment of the NKRI as an independent state based on the law.
Mohammad Yamin, Soediman Kartohadiprodjo, Amir Syarifuddin, were a number of graduates Rechtshogeschool proudly mentioned in the opening speech of the 94th Anniversary by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia, Melda Kamil Ariadno. Not to mention the notable names of Soepomo, Koesoemah Atmadja, and Hoessein Djajadiningrat, which Melda mentioned as the founding figures of the nation from the oldest law school she now leads.
“For 94 years FHUI has served the nation and state, and will continue to devote itself,” Melda said in front of the audience.
With the theme ‘FHUI for a better Indonesia’, the 94th FHUI Anniversary has been celebrated since the beginning of October. Melda called it the Anniversary Month, which consisted of a series of scientific seminars, focus group discussions, arts and cultural activities, and the launch of a book entitled ‘Percikan Pemikiran Makara Merah, Dari FHUI Untuk Indonesia’.
“Indonesia must be more advanced in civilization and enforce legal values, truly become a rule of law country, the foremost in achieving justice, “he said.
She explained to hukumonline that currently, FHUI put greater attention to encourage its alumni to take part in the public sector. Melda hoped that more FHUI alumni will be involved in the Government system. Starting from the involvement in the parliament to the bureaucracy.
“The illustration that I emphasized to new students, if there is a dirty sewer and you just stay away, the sewer will continue to get dirty. You come with the intention of cleaning,” she said.
Melda referred to the past history of the nation’s founding figures who came from law graduates. Many of them were involved as bureaucrats, judges, prosecutors, and members of parliament.
“This is the time, there must be many who want to be public officials and politicians. “FHUI must take part in establishing a legal civilization in Indonesia,” Melda said to hukumonline.
Melda invited alumni who have had a career at this time to support the vision that was proclaimed. One of them was by activating a special unit for developing alumni relations.
“We hope ILUNI FHUI will collaborate more to build FHUI. Especially by bridging faculties to embrace all alumni of undergraduate and postgraduate programs,” she said.
Secretary-General of ILUNI FHUI, Seradesy Sumardi, welcomed what was conveyed by Melda. “I see FHUI is far more open to involving alumni to make FHUI better,” said Country Legal Counsel from PT 3M Indonesia, who was familiarly called Desy.
Desy also invited FHUI alumni to actively support the various development qualities of FHUI including its graduates. “To the alumni, let’s go back to campus. Many practical knowledge in the development of the Indonesian legal system can be provided from the experience of alumni,” she said when interviewed by hukumonline.
In addition to being crowded by alumni, students, and all FHUI members, there were also a number of important guests in the 94th Anniversary of FHUI yesterday. Ambassadors of neighboring countries, representatives of Ministries and State Institutions, Supreme Court Justices, and leaders of the Indonesian Navy appeared at the center of the event.
