The Constitutional Court welcomed students of SMP Gema Nurani Bekasi, Wednesday (23/1) in the Delegation Room of the Constitutional Court. Photo by Humas MK/Ifa.

The Constitutional Court welcomed 82 students of SMP Gema Nurani Bekasi, Wednesday (23/1/2019). The visit aimed at discovering more information about the Court. The students were welcomed by researcher Intan Permata Putri in the Delegation Room

Intan explained that the nine constitutional justices were nominated by the President, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court. “The balance of number of justices ensures checks and balances,” she elaborated.

Intan also explained the requirements for constitutional justices according to the Constitutional Court Law. Those are Indonesian citizen (WNI), having a law degree, age minimum 40 during appointment, not in bankruptcy by court ruling, a statement letter of willingness to be a constitutional justice, never having been imprisoned for  five years or more, and having work experience in the law at least 10 years.

The Constitutional Court, Intan added, had four authorities and one obligation. The authorities are examining laws against the 1945 Constitution, deciding upon authority dispute of state institutions, deciding upon the dissolution of political parties, and deciding on disputes over election results. “Its obligation is making decision on the opinion of the House on allegation of violation against the president and/or vice president according to the 1945 Constitution,” she said.

Broadly speaking, said Intan, the duty of the Constitutional Court was to safeguard the Constitution. For example, said Intan, Constitutional Court had the authority to revoke laws that were deemed contrary to the Constitution. On the other hand, the Constitutional Court also ensures that rules to the lowest level are in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution. Intan stressed that the embryo of the Constitutional Court had existed since the beginning of the independence era. National figures proposed a type of institution that can examine the laws against the Constitution. "However, this did not materialize because in those days [human resources were lacking]," she explained.

In the Q&A session, a student asked about important cases handled by the Constitutional Court. Intan said that the Constitutional Court decided on the minimum marriageable age for women in December 2018. "The old provision stated that the minimum age was 16 years. But the Court requested that this be corrected," she explained.

Intan added that the Constitutional Court asked the House to pass a new provision within three years after the verdict, which must be adjusted with the provision on the age of the child in the Child Protection Law.

Responding to the question on organizational structure of the Constitutional Court, Intan said that the Constitutional Court consisted of 2 parts—the registrar and secretariat general. She also explained that students could access it on the website. "The secretariat general deals with things outside of the hearing, while the registrar deals with cases," she said. (Arif Satriantoro/LA/Yuniar Widiastuti)