RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Anwar Usman farewell at the Constitutional Court officially marked the closing chapter of one of the most controversial judicial careers in recent Indonesian political history. During what he described as his final hearing, Anwar Usman publicly asked forgiveness before reading a court ruling, signaling the end of his 15-year service at Indonesia’s highest constitutional body.
The moment immediately drew public attention because Anwar Usman farewell came not only at the end of his tenure, but also after years of debate over ethical violations, conflict of interest, and his role in one of the most disputed constitutional decisions in recent years.
His term as constitutional judge will formally end on April 6, 2026, exactly 15 years after he began serving at the Constitutional Court. By the end of this year, he will also reach the age of 70, the legal age limit for constitutional judges.
Final Hearing Opens With Public Apology
Before reading the verdict in a judicial review case related to pension rights for leaders and members of state institutions, Anwar Usman paused and addressed the courtroom directly.
He said the hearing could be the last session he would attend because his term would soon expire. In the same statement, he apologized for anything he may have done intentionally or unintentionally during his years of service.
His voice briefly slowed as he delivered the statement, creating a solemn atmosphere inside the courtroom. Observers quickly interpreted the moment as emotionally significant because it reflected the weight of his final days in office.
The ruling he read concerned Judicial Review Case Number 176 concerning Law Number 12 of 1980 on administrative rights for leaders and former members of high state institutions.
A Career Overshadowed by Constitutional Ethics Case
Although the farewell appeared formal, public memory remains closely tied to the ethics case that reshaped Anwar Usman’s legacy.
In November 2023, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia Honorary Council removed him from his position as Chief Justice after declaring that he had committed a serious ethics violation.
The council found that he breached judicial ethics during the handling of the age-limit ruling for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, a decision widely linked to the political path of Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
That ruling opened the way for Gibran, son of Joko Widodo, to qualify for the vice-presidential race despite not meeting the previous minimum age requirement.
Because Anwar Usman is Joko Widodo’s brother-in-law, critics immediately raised concerns over conflict of interest.
Ethics Sanction Became a Turning Point
The Honorary Council concluded that Anwar Usman violated principles of impartiality, integrity, independence, and judicial propriety.
As punishment, the council removed him as Chief Justice and banned him from taking part in cases that could create conflicts of interest, especially election disputes involving presidential, legislative, and regional contests.
However, the council did not dismiss him as a constitutional judge.
That decision triggered mixed reactions because many legal observers believed the sanction should have gone further.
One member of the council issued a dissenting opinion and argued that the law required dishonorable dismissal for serious ethical misconduct.
Public Debate Continued After Court Ruling
The debate did not stop after the sanction. Anwar Usman later challenged the decision through the administrative court and filed legal action against the newly appointed Chief Justice, Suhartoyo.
The move triggered another ethics complaint because critics viewed it as resistance against an internal disciplinary decision.
He later withdrew the legal challenge, but the controversy continued to follow him.
Many observers saw that period as proof that the ethics case had permanently changed public trust in the court.
Attendance Record Added Fresh Criticism
Near the end of his tenure, another issue surfaced when the Honorary Council announced that Anwar Usman had the highest absence record among current constitutional judges.
The statement created fresh debate because public criticism quickly spread.
Anwar Usman responded by saying illness caused the absences and that he had submitted medical documentation.
Although the explanation addressed the technical issue, criticism continued because his attendance record appeared during the closing stage of his career.
From Religious Judge to Constitutional Figure
Anwar Usman began his professional path as a religious teacher before entering the religious court system.
He later advanced through the judicial hierarchy, reached the Supreme Court of Indonesia, and eventually joined the Constitutional Court.
His rise placed him among the country’s most influential legal figures, especially after he became Chief Justice.
Yet his final legacy remains closely tied to constitutional controversy rather than judicial achievement.
Retirement Leaves Questions About His Next Role
As retirement approaches, public discussion now turns to whether Anwar Usman will fully withdraw from public life or remain connected to political circles.
Because of his family ties to national leadership, speculation continues about whether he may still influence public affairs indirectly.
For now, Anwar Usman farewell closes an era that combined judicial authority, political sensitivity, and lasting controversy.