On 17 August the following year, this was dissolved and replaced by the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia, with Sukarno at its head.

"[2] The supreme body within the assembly, with the authority to make decisions concerning the constitution and matters related to it was the plenary session.

It had to convene at least twice a year, and was obliged to meet if deemed necessary by the Constitution Preparation Committee at a written request from at least a tenth of the membership.

[4] There were a total of 514 members, with the composition broadly reflecting that of the People's Representative Council, the elections to which had produced very similar results.

Islamic parties accused the PKI of hypocrisy for supporting Pancasila with its commitment to belief in God rather than the socio-economic philosophy.

In contrast to the debate on the basis of the state, all sides were broadly in agreement over the importance of including provisions guaranteeing human rights in the new constitution, and this was subsequently agreed by acclamation.

Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Haris Nasution had first proposed a return to Indonesia's original constitution in August 1958.

However Masjumi members were strongly opposed because of the potential to turn the nation into a dictatorship, as it would be very easy for the president to abuse his power.

Sukarno left the country on a tour on 23 April, with the government confident of a two-thirds majority on the Assembly - sufficient to reintroduce the 1945 Constitution.

With the help of the League of Upholders of Indonesian Independence (IPKI), Nasution's solution was that if a majority of Assembly members refused to attend proceedings, it would automatically cease to exist.

On 15 June 1959, the Djuanda Cabinet contacted Sukarno overseas, advising him of possible plans of action, including issuing a decree.

On 5 July 1959, two days after informing the cabinet of his decision, he issued a decree dissolving the Constituent Assembly and reimposing the 1945 Constitution.