Ciputat, South Tangerang — Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) Suhartoyo served as a speaker at the Academic and Student Culture Introduction (PBAK) event for the Faculty of Economics and Business at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta on Friday (August 28, 2026). 
In his presentation, Suhartoyo explained the connection between economics and the role of the Constitutional Court. He noted that economic development and efforts to achieve public welfare do not rely solely on economic policies; they must also align with principles of justice and the constitution. In this context, the Constitutional Court plays a vital role in ensuring that prevailing policies and regulations respect the public's constitutional rights. 
He explained that every citizen possesses rights guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Consequently, the enactment of a law should not infringe upon the public's constitutional rights. This is crucial—including in the economic sector—because policies related to development and welfare ultimately have a direct impact on people's lives. 
Furthermore, Suhartoyo reminded the audience that the democratic process through elections grants a mandate to the President and elected representatives to govern and manage the state for the public good. This mandate is realized through various policies and the enactment of legislation. However, the resulting policies must remain grounded in the interests of the broader public rather than merely accommodating the interests of specific groups. 
In this regard, the Constitutional Court functions as part of the constitutional mechanism ensuring that legislation remains within the framework of the 1945 Constitution. Thus, an understanding of the constitution is relevant not only within academic or campus settings but is also closely linked to the life of the nation, including the determination of the direction of national economic development. 
Suhartoyo encouraged students of the Faculty of Economics and Business to cultivate constitutional awareness and maintain a critical attitude toward prevailing policies. This is because the constitution and regulations established based on the people's mandate fundamentally concern the common good, rather than the interests of specific groups. This awareness is expected to shape students who not only understand economic issues but are also capable of perceiving their connections to law, justice, and the broader public interest.