Anwar Usman Feels Relieved and Sheds Tears After Retiring as Constitutional Court Justice

Jakarta – Former Constitutional Court (MK) Justice Anwar Usman admitted to feeling relieved after leaving the Mahkamah Konstitusi following 15 years of service. “So, I feel relieved now, to be honest. That’s why I was moved to tears; it’s not sadness from leaving the MK, no,” Anwar told reporters at the MK Building in Jakarta on Monday, 13 April 2026. Anwar wiped his face with a white handkerchief as a video of his career history was played during the retirement ceremony held in the MK Building’s auditorium. The uncle of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also collapsed during the procession after the ceremony. His body was carried into the MK building’s waiting room by staff. However, after 20 minutes of rest, he returned to greet the waiting reporters. Anwar admitted to being fatigued due to lack of sleep, having stayed up until dawn watching documentaries on the situations in Balkan countries, and not having had breakfast yet. “I just returned from Bosnia,” he said. When asked about his impressions after retirement, the former MK Chief Justice emphasised that he had no intention of seeking popularity. He stated that any mandate given, whether a position, was a trust intended as an act of worship. “My primary intention is worship. So, wherever entrusted, it is carried out; after completing my duties at the MK with a good ending,” he said. The former Constitutional Court Chief Justice was not yet willing to mention whether there were any offers or plans for future roles after retiring as a constitutional judge. Having retired, Anwar said he could now speak casually to the media. He conveyed that the State Administrative Court (PTUN) Decision Number 604/G/2023/PTUN.JKT had restored his honour and dignity from the controversy over the Constitutional Court (MK) Decision Number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 on the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This incident is also detailed in two books he wrote about his 15 years of life experience at the Constitutional Court, which will be released after retirement, titled Pandora’s Box. Anwar also stated that honour, dignity, and good name are paramount. Thanks to PTUN Decision Number 604, everything has been restored, so he feels relieved leaving the MK.