Chief Justice Anwar Usman closing the International Chief Justice Forum, Thursday afternoon (8/10/2023) in Jakarta. Photo by Humas MK.

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JAKARTA (MKRI) — “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others,” said Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia (MKRI) Anwar Usman quoting Nelson Mandela at the closing ceremony of the International Chief Justice Forum (ICJF) on Thursday afternoon, August 10, 2023 in Jakarta.

“The quote is a reminder to all of us to continue to strive for respect for the values of democracy and human rights because only through collective efforts can the world be a fair and beautiful place for all,” Anwar said.

He also said the ICJF reflected the collaboration and shared commitment to strengthening the values of democracy and to upholding the rule of law. “Furthermore, in-depth discussions as well as exchange of ideas and insights among the participants have added invaluable knowledge and experience for all of us,” he said before the delegations of nine constitutional jurisdictions and organization in attendance.

He also emphasized that the forum had added to the courts’ knowledge and experience that would prove useful for developing the delegations’ institutional capacity in realizing courts of excellence as well as enlightened the participants of the delegations’ practices in instilling values of democracy in the past and present.

“Our discussions were a lesson in overcoming future challenges faced by constitutional jurisdictions in a time characterized by rapid technological disruption and dynamics issues. It is clearly our responsibility to establish impartial and independent judiciary,” the chief justice said.

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This ICJF is a special event initiated to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the MKRI, which falls on August 13. The MKRI initiated this forum for upholding the constitution in Asian-African states. It has good relations with constitutional jurisdictions in Asia through the AACC and in Africa through cooperation with the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CCJA). Constitutional jurisdictions of nine countries (Angola, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Namibia, South Africa, Thailand, Türkiye) and one association of constitutional jurisdictions (CCJA) attended the event.

Author       : Lulu Anjarsari P.
Editor        : Tiara Agustina
Translator  : Yuniar Widiastuti (NL)

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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