Constitutional Justice Arief Hidayat reviewing cases at home. Photo by Humas MK.

JAKARTA, Public Relations of the Constitutional Court—Since the Constitutional Court (MK) implemented the work-from-home (WFH) policy, the constitutional justices also perform their duties regarding cases from home using available ICT to ensure the guarantee of the citizens’ constitutional rights. Through phone call on Monday (20/4/2020), Constitutional Justice Arief Hidayat said that he continues to read up and prepare materials for ongoing cases as well as write legal opinions.

Justice Arief said that constitutional justices must be prepared for court hearings, even at the office. However, the justices must follow the health protocol between home and the office. He explained that in the case of online hearings, they must be supported by media that would allow hearings to be done remotely from any location. Closed justices deliberation meetings (RPH) must also have full confidentiality when conducted remotely. “I don’t think there is any problem if the hearings are done online, as we have our own quarters and it can also be done from home,” he said.

While working from home, the justices conduct informal meetings through available media, including WhatsApp. He asserted that in any condition, the Constitutional Court must be able to perform its duties, authorities, and functions according to the Constitution. The Constitutional Court, as the institution tasked with guarding the citizens’ constitutional rights and human rights, must be able to accept any policy in order to function as a state institution.

Justice Arief also talked about the tremendous effects of COVID-19. “We see not only effects [on] health  but also [on] the economy. We need to anticipate [COVID-19] because even advanced countries are being overwhelmed by the virus. However, I see that in Indonesia the policies taken have been comprehensive and considered carefully from various aspects,” he explained.

He also said it is imperative to protect Indonesian citizens, thus he appealed to all citizens to build the spirit of mutual cooperation in fighting against this global pandemic. He believes that by following the government’s directives, Indonesia will survive this disaster. However, he also encouraged the public to give criticism and recommendations on the government’s policies. “When we received stay-at-home or work-from-home directive, or physical distancing or social distancing, we must implement it with discipline,” he stressed.

Justice Arief added that national discipline, solidarity, and togetherness are imperative to achieve this. “As members of society, we should help those around us. When we show solidarity, I think we can be free of the problem and become a strong, solid country. Discipline must be put into practice,” he added. (Utami Argawati/LA)

Translated by: Yuniar Widiastuti