Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice Aswanto reviewing judicial review cases from home. Photo by Humas MK.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—While working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice Aswanto keeps reading and reviewing ongoing judicial review cases as well as those that have been examined and will be deliberated and decided.

“We have discussed online case examination among the justices, registrars, and secretary general. The secretariat general have sent the gowns to each of the justices [at their respective residences],” he explained via e-mail on Thursday (16/4/2020). 

While working from home, Justice Aswanto reads references regarding the petitions, watch the news on television and the internet, and workout on his static bicycle. He also keeps in touch with relatives through phone calls and messenger apps. 

“Fellow constitutional justices also keep in touch regarding work through phone calls, WhatsApp [messenger], and video calls,” said Justice Aswanto while expressing his concern for not being able to offer optimal services to justice seekers.

He keeps motivating family and friends to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. “Keep praying, worshipping, getting closer to the Almighty and obey the government\'s appeals including the work-from-home policy,” he advised.

Justice Aswanto said that each individual has their own interpretation of the lesson behind the COVID-19 pandemic. Humans can only make plans, but only God makes it happen, therefore humans shall not be arrogant. During the pandemic, many great events have been postponed or even cancelled despite having been prepared long before.

“For us in the Constitutional Court, this lesson must be heeded. We must get together to [ensure] the main duties and functions. Let’s leave all things that God does not bless,” he advised. (Nano Tresna Arfana/LA)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti