Expert assistants to constitutional justices (ASLI) Muhammad Reza Winata and Rima Yuwana Yustikaningrum welcoming students of PTIQ University, Monday (7/29/2024). Photo by MKRI/Bayu.

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JAKARTA (MKRI) — Students of PTIQ University visited the Constitutional Court (MK) on Monday, July 29, 2024. They were welcomed by expert assistants to constitutional justices (ASLI) Muhammad Reza Winata and Rima Yuwana Yustikaningrum in the Delegation Room on the 4th floor of Building I of the Court. The visit aimed to inspire and guide the 49 students in achieving their goals.

“I believe the Court is part of the legal institutions that support future law graduates,” said Asep, the accompanying lecturer.

In his presentation, Reza stated that the existence of the Court is a result of the contemplation of the founding fathers and the constitutional reformers, inspired by various institutions around the world.

“Historically, the first institution in the world to have the authority for judicial review, or to review laws created by the legislature in a judicial setting, was in the United States in the case of Marbury v. Madison. However, the institution itself differs from the Constitutional Court in Indonesia, and the process of judicial review is not institutionalized in the constitution,” said Reza.

In the context of Indonesia’s founding history, Reza mentioned that the idea of establishing a Court had existed since the era of independence. However, Moh. Yamin and Soepomo debated whether there should be a judicial review process over the legislature. This debate ultimately led to the establishment of the Court in 2003, following the reformers' agreement on the constitutional amendments.

“The Constitutional Court is an institution that emerged after the amendments as a commitment by the constitutional reformers or members of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR). It was part of a movement to strengthen democracy, guarantee human rights, and enhance checks and balances among state institutions, reflecting on the shortcomings of the New Order era,” stated Reza.

Meanwhile, Rima explained that the principle of open public hearings upheld by the Court ensures that all proceedings can be observed by the public, allowing judges to act more objectively. She also mentioned that each decision made by the Court is final and binding, meaning that once a decision is read in a ruling, it cannot be appealed. This is different from proceedings in district courts, where one can appeal to the high court and then to the Supreme Court.

Moreover, Rima mentioned that the Court utilizes technology for submitting petitions for judicial review, which can be done online through their website or offline by visiting the Court directly. “Case access and decisions can also be accessed through the website mkri.id, and hearings can be conducted online if there are issues related to distance or cost,” she added.

After the presentations, the students were invited to explore the Constitution History Center (Puskon) on the 5th and 6th floors of the main building. The Center documents the dynamic history of the Constitution and Constitutional Court of Indonesia through information, art, and technology. It helps the students understand the values enshrined in the Constitution and its journey within the history of the nation.

Author            : Utami Argawati
Editor             : Lulu Anjarsari P.
Translator      : Naomi Andrea Zebua/Rizky Kurnia Chaesario (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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