Finding Statespersons

Two constitutional justices are ending their terms in 2020. A decision will have to be made on who are to replace them as the Constitutional Court (MK) will not be able to work without a complete set of justices.

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Candidates for a Constitutional Court (MK) justice spot take the stage for a screening at the Education and Training Center of the State Secretariat, Cipete, South Jakarta, Monday (2/11/2019).

Law No. 8/2011 on the amendment of Law No. 24/2003 on the MK stipulates that the MK has nine constitutional justices appointed by a presidential decree (Keppres) after they are picked by the President, the House of Representatives or the Supreme Court (MA). Constitutional justices serve a maximum of two five-year terms.

Constitutional Court Justice I Dewa Gede Palguna, who was picked by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, will end his term on 7 January 2020. Palguna cannot be reappointed as he has served two terms (Kompas, 2/12/2019). MA-picked Justice Suhartoyo will also end his term on 7 January 2020 but he has just served one term at the MK.