Chief Justice Anwar Usman of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia, President Omar Belhadj of the Constitutional Council of Algeria, Justice Simina Tănăsescu of the Constitutional Court of Romania opening the first session of the 5th Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ), Wednesday, (10/5/2022) at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali. Photo by MKRI/Ifa.

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Wednesday, October 5, 2022 | 16:48 WIB

BALI (MKRI)—The first session of the 5th Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) under the subtheme “Sources and Jurisdictions” featured three speakers: Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia (MKRI) Anwar Usman, President of Constitutional Council of Algeria Omar Belhadj, and Constitutional Justice of Romania Simina Tănăsescu. The session, which was held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Bali on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, was attended by delegates from 95 countries and 4 international organizations.

Chief Justice Anwar Usman said that justice and peace can only be realized with the fulfilment and protection of human rights and the citizens’ constitutional rights. Appreciation and mutual respect for the sovereignty of a country must also be carried out in a balanced manner. Therefore, the Constitutional Court’s authority in protecting the citizens’ constitutional rights must also be fulfilled. Without it, it will not be possible to realize a just life, and without a just life for every citizen, it is impossible for peace to be realized, both for the survival of the nation and for the peaceful life of all nations.

He hoped that through the Congress, all participants can share and exchange experiences on peace and justice. Specifically, the first session discussed legal resources and jurisdictions, which are an important part of realizing justice and peace.

“Therefore, this forum is important for all of us to share information about the implementation of the constitution in our respective countries, as well as the role and jurisdiction of the judiciary in achieving peace and justice for all nations in the world,” he added.

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Constitutional Court Plays Key Role in Maintaining Peace

Meanwhile, President Omar Belhadj of the Constitutional Council of Algeria said that the Constitutional Council of Algeria serves to mediate inter-individual and inter-institutional conflicts. To that end, neutrality and independency must be maintained.

“It is not only a classic concept of international law in resolving a conflict, but it is a part of efforts to maintain international peace,” he added.

He also said that constitutional justices have an important role in resolving conflicts and easing political tensions. Thus, through this congress it is expected that agreements to maintain world peace can be reached and all participating countries can learn legal mechanisms of other countries in facing conflicts.

Next, Justice Simina Tănăsescu of the Constitutional Court of Romania said that in interpreting the constitution, the Constitutional Court must focus on resolving conflicts.

“The interpretation of the constitution must prioritize the balance of legal mechanisms without any distance or internal contradictions. The Constitutional Court of Lithuania asserted that the interpretation of the constitution should not diminish or reject the values contained therein,” she remarked.

The 5th Congress of the WCCJ, which takes place on October 5-6, 2022, was slated to be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on October 5. The WCCJ Bureau chose “Constitutional Justice and Peace” as the main theme of this year’s congress because constitutional courts in some countries have key roles in seeking peace after armed conflict within the country. In addition, several national constitutions explicitly mention peace and reconciliation as the goals that they want to achieve.

The 5th Congress of the WCCJ is the highest-level international forum on the constitutional jurisdictions, considering that 119 countries are members of the WCCJ as per 2022. In addition to being a forum for discussion, exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences and best practices among WCCJ members, this Congress is one of the MKRI’s efforts to improve the quality of its decisions as well as an opportunity to further strengthen Indonesia’s position as a constitutional democracy based on the ideology of the five precepts of Pancasila.

At the same time, the Constitutional Court also holds the 5th Indonesian Constitutional Court International Symposium (ICCIS) on October 5-7, 2022 under the theme of “Constitutional Court and Conflict Resolution.” Constitutional Justice Suhartoyo is slated to deliver the opening remarks, followed by a keynote lecture from Constitutional Justice Saldi Isra. In the ICCIS, 15 speakers from various countries are scheduled to present their perspective and views related to the themes. Accordingly, the ICCIS will conclude with closing remarks by Constitutional Justice Daniel Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh.

Writer        : Lulu Anjarsari P.
Editor        : Lulu Anjarsari P.
Translator  : Alfhatin Pratama
Editor        : Yuniar Widiastuti (NL)

Translation uploaded on 10/6/2022 06:54 WIB

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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