Constitutional Justices Aswanto and Wahiduddin Adams attending the Commission III Chairman Report in the 14^th House Plenary Hearing on Tuesday (19/3) at the House Plenary Session Room, Nusantara Building 2, Jakarta. Photo by Humas MK/Ganie.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—The Constitutional Justices Selection Committee of the Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) re-elected Aswanto and Wahiduddin Adams as Constitutional Justices for the 2019–2024 term. This was conveyed by House Commission III Chairman Kahar Muzakkir during the 14^th House Plenary Meeting, Hearing Period IV of 2018–2019 Term on Tuesday (19/3/2019) at the House Plenary Session Room, Nusantara Building 2, Jakarta.

In the hearing led by House Vice Chairman Utut Adianto, Kahar Muzakkir in his report stated that on December 11, 2018 the House Commission III had followed up on the consultation meeting assignment in lieu of the Bamus meeting during the 2^nd hearing period of 2018-2019 in relation to the expiration of the term of office of Constitutional Justice Wahiduddin Adams, and during a replacement consultation meeting for Bamus during the 3^rd hearing period of 2018-2019 on January 10, 2019 related to the expiration of the term of office of Constitutional Justice Aswanto.

For transparency and public accountability, Kahar said, the House provided the widest opportunity for the public to register themselves through the House Commission III to participate in the selection of prospective Constitutional Justices. Out of the twelve registrants, the commission selected Esti Armi Wulan, Aswanto, Wahiduddin Adams, Ihsan Anwari, Galang Asmara, Aidul Fitriciada Azhari, Askari Razak, Sugianto, Bahrul Ilmi Yakup, Umbu Rauta, and Refly Harun.

On February 6–7, 2019, the House Commission III conducted fit and proper test involving an expert team of three former constitutional justices—Haryono, Maruarar Siahaan, Maria Farida Indrati—and Eddy O. S. Hiariej to provide input to the commission. After listening to the opinions of the factions, the commission on March 12, 2019 held a plenary meeting and after a deliberation decided to select Aswanto and Wahiduddin Adams as constitutional justices.

“The House Commission III understands that skills, abilities, integrity, and morals of prospective constitutional justices are important requirements for constitutional justices. Therefore, in conducting the fit and proper test, the House Commission III prioritizes the qualities of prospective constitutional justices including integrity, vision, mission, as well as experience and competence,” said Kahar Muzakkir. The selected constitutional justices are expected to be able to improve the image and authority of the Constitutional Court as a high state institution as well as guardian of the Constitution. (Ilham/LA/Yuniar Widiastuti)