Students of the SMK (Vocational School) Telkom Purwokerto visited the Constitutional Court on Tuesday (30/4) at the Constitutional Court Conference Room. Photo by Humas MK/Ifa.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—The Constitutional Court (MK) welcomed 67 students of SMK Telkom Purwokerto, Tuesday (30/4/2019) in the Conference Room. The visit served to help students learn more about the Court. They were welcomed by researcher Titis Anindyajayati.

Titis revealed that the Constitutional Court was established post-Reform on August 13, 2003 as a result of the amendment to the 1945 Constitution. It serves to control the legislation that the parliament produces. She also explained that today Indonesia does not recognize hierarchy of state institutions. The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), which used to be the highest state institution, today is equal to all other state institutions. On the other hand, the judiciary, previously only the Supreme Court, now has grown to also include the Constitutional Court.

Titis also elaborated on the four authorities and one obligation of the Constitutional Court. The authorities are examining laws against the 1945 Constitution, deciding on authority dispute among state institutions, deciding on the dissolution of political parties, and deciding on disputes over election results. The Court is also obligated to decide on the House’s opinion on an alleged violation of law committed by the president and/or vice president. “All decisions passed by the Court is final and binding, and cannot be contested,” she said.

She further explained the composition of the Constitutional Court, which consists of nine constitutional justices, each three nominated by the President, the House of Representatives (DPR), and the Supreme Court. “The nine justices symbol is manifested in the nine pillars at the front of the Court building,” she said.

Of the ethical council of the Court, she said, “It consists of three persons: a public figure, an academia, and a former constitutional justice.” The council serves to supervise the constitutional justices in performing their duties.

The Court’s building, she said, does not have fences as most institutions do because it endeavors to be open to the public.

Before concluding her explanation, Titis also mentioned the Court’s website, which opens access to all kinds of information for the public. On the website, the public may access information such as hearing schedule, transcripts, as well as news detailing the activities of the Court. (Arif Satriantoro/LA/Yuniar Widiastuti)