Anwar Usman's Farewell from the Constitutional Court and Revelation of Heavy Pressures on Judges: Each Ruling Adds an Enemy

JAKARTA - Anwar Usman has officially concluded his tenure as a judge at the Constitutional Court (MK) after serving for 15 years. During the retirement ceremony in the MK courtroom in Central Jakarta on Monday (13/4/2026), he spoke about the heavy responsibility of being a judge. “Alhamdulillah, I am ending my duties, leaving this building with a relieved heart. I shed tears earlier not for any particular reason, but because of the many joys and sorrows I have experienced,” said Anwar. He described his departure from the MK as a new chapter in life. “I am leaving the court, like a newborn baby entering the world. Like a blank sheet of paper with no notes whatsoever,” he continued. He emphasised that being a judge is a burdensome task full of risks, including facing pressures and criticism. “The risk of upholding truth, law, and justice. Because no judge will ever be able to deliver a ruling that satisfies all parties,” he asserted. He even shared an experience of a judge who contacted him because they could not withstand the pressure. According to Anwar, such conditions are consequences that every judge must accept. “In truth, when a judge hands down a ruling, they at least add one enemy. It is impossible to produce a ruling that satisfies all parties,” he said. He noted that this illustrates the challenging nature of the judicial profession since ancient times. Over his 15 years at the MK, Anwar claimed to have poured his various experiences and dynamics into two books titled Kota Pandora 1 and Kota Pandora 2. “I reveal it as it is, without beating around the bush. What I experienced, what I faced, and what I did,” he stated. In closing his speech, Anwar expressed thanks and apologies to all MK personnel. He reaffirmed his commitment during his tenure to steadfastly uphold the law. “I will never take a step back in upholding truth, law, and justice,” Anwar concluded.