Anwar Usman Relieved to Retire from Constitutional Court Without Reproach: Like a Newborn Baby

Anwar Usman has ended his tenure at the Constitutional Court after 15 years of service. The brother-in-law of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, admitted to feeling ‘relieved’ to leave the Constitutional Court (MK) without any issues. ‘So, I’m relieved now, to be honest. That’s why I was moved to tears, not because I’m sad to leave the MK, no,’ said Anwar when met after the retirement ceremony for constitutional justices at the MK Building in Jakarta on Monday, 13 April 2026. Anwar wiped his face with a white handkerchief he was holding as a video of his career history was played during the retirement ceremony held in the MK Building’s hall. The uncle of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also collapsed during the procession after the ceremony series. His body was carried into the MK building’s waiting room by officers. However, after 20 minutes of rest, he returned to greet the journalists waiting for his statement. Anwar admitted to being exhausted due to lack of sleep, staying up until dawn from avidly watching documentaries on the situations in Balkan countries, plus not having breakfast yet. ‘I just returned from Bosnia,’ he said. When asked about his impressions after retirement, the former MK Chief emphasised that he had no intention of seeking popularity. He stated that any mandate given, whether a position, is a trust intended as worship. ‘My first intention is worship. So, wherever I’m trusted, it’s carried out, after I complete my duties at the MK with a good ending,’ he said. The former Constitutional Court Chief has not yet mentioned whether there are any offers or plans for future tasks after retiring as a constitutional justice. However, having retired, Anwar admitted he can now speak casually to the media. ‘Like a Newborn Baby’ He conveyed that the State Administrative Court Decision Number 604/G/2023/PTUN.JKT has restored his honour and dignity from the polemic of the Constitutional Court (MK) Decision Number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 on the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This event is also detailed in two books he wrote about his 15 years of life experiences at the Constitutional Court, which will be released after retirement, titled Pandora’s Box.