Anwar Usman Steps Down: A Schoolteacher-Turned-Chief Justice and the Controversy Over Decision 90

JAKARTA — The plenary courtroom of the Constitutional Court fell silent as senior judge Anwar Usman read out his final ruling in case number 176/PUU-XXIII/2025 on Monday, 16 March 2026.

The moment marked one of Anwar’s last appearances on the constitutional bench before his official retirement in early April 2026, concluding a 15-year tenure on the court.

Under Law No. 7 of 2020 amending the Constitutional Court Law No. 24 of 2003, constitutional judges’ terms are capped at 15 years. Article 87(b) specifies: “Constitutional judges serving at the time this law is enacted are deemed to meet the requirements under this law and shall end their service at age 70, provided their total service does not exceed 15 years.”

With days remaining until his pension, this court session became Usman’s last before retirement.

“Assalamualaikum and good morning to all,” Anwar Usman said. “Before I read this ruling, this may be my last session on the bench.”

He adjusted the microphone several times before all nine judges and the assembled courtroom, preparing to bid farewell.

“On 6 April 2026, I will have completed 15 years of service at the Constitutional Court,” he continued.

Usman observed that 15 years was not a short period. He was appointed as a constitutional judge on nomination from the Supreme Court during the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration. His career advanced significantly at the institution on Medan Merdeka Barat, eventually reaching the post of Chief Justice in 2018.

“Naturally, over such a long period, there have been matters that may have been displeasing, whether intentional or unintentional,” Usman said.

“For this reason, from the depths of my heart, I offer my sincere apologies,” he added.

The courtroom fell silent. Usman delivered his final ruling before Constitutional Court Chief Justice Suhartoyo formally closed the session.