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Signing of MoU by Constitutional Court and Ombudsman Secretaries General M. Guntur Hamzah and Suganda Pandapotan Pasaribu, witnessed by Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice Aswanto and Ombudsman Chief Amzulian Rifai, Tuesday (10/12) at the Constitutional Court. Photo by Humas MK/Gani.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—In order to improve cooperation, coordination, and institutional capacity, the Constitutional Court (MK) and Ombudsman signed a memorandum of understanding. Constitutional Court Secretary General M. Guntur Hamzah and Ombudsman Secretary General M. Guntur Hamzah Suganda Pandapotan Pasaribu signed the MoU, witnessed by Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice Aswanto and Ombudsman Chief Amzulian Rifai, Tuesday afternoon (10/12/2019).

In his remarks, Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice Aswanto hoped the MoU can be realized in various activities organized by the Constitutional Court and the Ombudsman. "These two institutions could have functions and authorities that lead to one goal, to guarantee the protection, fulfillment, and protection of the rights of Indonesian citizens," he said.

Justice Aswanto believed that as guardian of human rights as stipulated in the Constitution, the Constitutional Court is obliged to ensure that the human rights contained in the Constitution could be implemented properly. The Ombudsman also safeguards human rights. "In my opinion, these two institutions should really work hand in hand to achieve the ideals of the nation to protect human rights," he explained. He added that the signing of the MoU also aimed to strengthen the commitment to implement democracy, openness, and constitutionalism.

Ombudsman Chief Amzulian Rifai said that in 2014–2019, there were only four reports on the Constitutional Court, all of which had been ruled and not proven. "The MoU is important but it is more important that the two institutions can learn from each other and work together," he explained.

Improving Public Services

In his report, Constitutional Court Secretary General M. Guntur Hamzah said that within cooperation with the Ombudsman, the Court rests on the philosophy that as an independent and impartial state institution and judiciary, it provides services to the public, especially justice seekers. Therefore, he added, transparency and accountability are needed in every aspect of their work and performance. Today\'s independence and impartiality requires transparency and public accountability.

"In other words, the Constitutional Court prioritizes transparency and accountability, especially to ensure that independence and impartiality are directed to uphold law and justice," he explained.

Guntur also said that the MoU with the Ombudsman was also signed to improve the capacity of both institutions. "As a state institution overseeing public services, of course the Ombudsman along with the signing of this memorandum of understanding will increasingly play an important role in the efforts to maintain and improve the quality of public services conducted by the Constitutional Court, in this case through the Registrar’s Office and Secretariat General of the Constitutional Court," he explained .

The MoU includes activities related to improvement of the duties and functions of the Constitutional Court and Ombudsman; utilization of video conference facilities; organizing education and training, seminars, discussions, and scientific activities on the oversight function of the administration of public services organized by the Constitutional Court and the Ombudsman. (Lulu Anjarsari)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti

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