Constitutional Court staff verifying the 2019 Presidential and Vice Presidential Election Results Dispute (PHPU) case on the Ground Floor of Constitutional Court. Photo by Humas MK/Ifa.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—The 2019 Presidential and Vice Presidential Election Results Dispute (PHPU) case was held by the Constitutional Court (MK) since the 2004 to 2019. Each PHPU case left the Constitutional Court staff with anecdotes.

"Almost all staff members, especially the senior ones, have experienced PHPU cases, except for new staff members," said the Head of the Public Relations and Domestic Cooperation Department Fajar Laksono Soeroso on Friday (21/6/2019) on the 3rd floor of the Constitutional Court.

Fajar said, almost all senior staff members had been familiar with the conditions during the presidential and legislative election results dispute proceedings. "From the accounts of fellow Court staff members, one election to another [gave them] many stories," Fajar added.

For certain, the PHPU resolution of the 2019 simultaneous elections differs from that of previous elections. The task force teams are working overtime to carry out daily duties and functions regarding the 2019 PHPU resolution. All staff members must wait until the hearing is finished. "Besides that, there is more effort that we have to show, [as] there are tensions because due to work, additional tasks, and so on. [I believe] all staff members already know [that] and sincerely do it. That employees have to spend the night at the office is a common thing and [we] enjoy it," Fajar added.

Fajar added that the 14-day deadline of the presidential election dispute resolution was unchanged. "I think [we] are really enjoying it. Once every five years. This is our contribution to democracy. Democratic elections. For all staff, there is a pride in contributing to the election results dispute (PHPU) resolution, however small. I personally enjoy this work. I am glad and happy," Fajar said.

Fajar explained that he is currently the Head of Public Relations and Domestic Cooperation Department of the Constitutional Court, so he has to be more active in delivering services to the press, especially in interacting with journalists, discussing to get input, suggestions, and criticism. Fajar acknowledged that he gained a lot of insight from the press. The same thing was also felt by staff of the Constitutional Court.

"While serving during the PHPU resolution, I personally feel a lot of joy. Apart from our sacrifice, going home late at night not as usual, but I am sure all staff are sincere, professional, and carry out their duties properly and responsibly," Fajar said. (Nano Tresna Arfana/NRA/FS/YW)