VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Constitutional Court held its chief election on Monday April 02. The election was to replace Arief Hidayat who terminates his term of office of the Constitutional Court during the period 2015-2018. The Constitutional Court is the frontline of law enforcement in the field of law. Its task is to overcome problems related to legislation and mediate disputes on General Election and Election of Regional Head -Pilkada. The presence of the Constitutional Court which was formed after the fall of the new order has given new horizons in the matter of law and constitution in Indonesia. The Chief of the Constitutional Court is an important position to oversee the Constitution in Indonesia, which is free from the influence of the Executive and Legislative.

The election of the Constitutional Court chief for the period 2018-2020 was conducted by voting at the plenary session of the judges. All judges of the Constitutional Court: Anwar Usman, Maria Farida, Wahiduddin Adams, Aswanto, I Gede Pasek Palguna, Suhartoyo, Manahan Sitompul, and Saldi Isra have the rights to vote and to be voted, except Arief Hidayat who only could cast his vote. Because, he has been elected twice namely in 2015 and 2017.

In regard to the election of the new chief of the Constitutional Court, former chief of the Constitutional Court, Mahfud MD hopes there is a new breakthrough in the election process. This was viewed necessary to restore the authority of the Constitutional Court which had been dropped when its former chief involved in an unlawful case. The presence of the Constitutional Court for the next 3 years is very decisive, as it will certainly play a major role in handling possible disputes of election of regional heads in 2018, legislative election and president elections in 2019. Therefore, this major court needs high concentration, neutrality and impartiality from organizations, institutions, political parties to executive and legislative bodies. The Constitutional Court must be independent, fair and honest in issuing its verdict. At the plenary session on Monday, April 2nd at 3 P.M. by voting, the nine judges of the Constitution elected Anwar Usman as new chief of the Constitutional Court from 2018-2020.