Constitutional Court Judges Make Angelic References During Gibran Diploma Hearing
The General Elections Commission (KPU) presented former KPU official Hasyim Asy’ari as a witness in the dispute over the 2024 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election results (PHPU). Hasyim’s presence as a witness for the respondent captured the attention of the eight Constitutional Court (MK) judges.
During the hearing for case number 01/PHPU.PRES-XXIV/2026, concerning Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma, held at the Constitutional Court building on Thursday (1/10/2026) evening, half of the eight judges directed jokes and questions towards Hasyim.
First, Judge Arsul Sani enquired about Hasyorkan’s health. Arsul joked that the questions posed to Hasyim in court would not be as heavy as the questions asked by angels in the grave. “Are you well, Mr Hasyim? Although the questions are heavy, I am sure this is much lighter than the questions from Munkar and Nakir in the grave, Mr Hasyim. Just consider this heat; in the end, we will all be questioned by Munkar and Nakir,” Arsul remarked.
Following Arsul’s remark, the presiding judge, Saldi Isra, joined in the banter, suggesting that judges should respond to Arsul’s statement ‘according to custom.’ “Regarding Munkar and Nakir, let that be the business of the Nahdliyin; this is Nahdliyin, that is also Nahdliyin. That should be settled according to custom, Mr Hasyim, because such matters are difficult for us to manage,” said Saldi.
Another judge, Enny Nurbaningsih, also took her turn to question. Before proceeding, Enny noted that Hasyim appeared thinner. “Mr Hasyim, it has been a long time since we last met. Why do you look thinner, Mr Hasyim? Are you under a lot of pressure?” Enny asked.
“On the contrary, I am without burden now, Ma’am,” Hasyim replied.
Furthermore, Judge Adies Kadir remarked that Hasyim was the ‘star’ of the evening’s session. Adies noted that Hasyim appeared younger since no longer serving as the Chairman of the KPU. “I want to approach Mr Hasyim as well, so he can be the star tonight. If Ms Prof Enny said he looks thinner, I say he looks younger,” said Adies Kadir.
Saldi Isra added a joke suggesting that the KPU intentionally brought Hasyim forward so that all questions regarding the challenge to Gibran’s candidacy would be directed at Hasyim rather than the current KPU Chairman, Mochammad Afifuddin. “Before he answers, Mr Hasyim is the most popular person tonight. This is Mr Afif’s tactic; because he was asked many questions yesterday, he pushed Mr Hasyim to the front so the attacks would shift to him,” added Saldi Isra.
The lawsuit was filed by former Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights Denny Indrayana and 11 other petitioners. The application was submitted on 10 September 2026 and officially registered by the Constitutional Court on 17 September 2026 under case number 01/PHPU.PRES-XXIV/2026. The preliminary examination of the application was held at the Court on Monday (21/9).
The respondent in this lawsuit is the KPU, with Bawaslu as the related party. There are 12 petitioners in this lawsuit, including Brahma Aryana, Ansufri ID Sambo, Denny Indrayana, Fachrul Razi, Tyasno Sudarto, Slamet Soebijanto, Hanafie Asnan, Soenarko MD, drg. Moeryono, H.M. Subhan, Bonatua Silalahi, and Dra. Tiurma M.S. Sihombing.
The petitioners argue that allegations regarding Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s failure to meet educational requirements only recently came to light and were allegedly suppressed. The petitioners stated that if the trial evidence shows Gibran meets the educational requirements, the Court may affirm the validity of his candidacy. Conversely, if the evidence shows the requirements were not met, they expect the Court to issue a disqualification ruling.
“The petitioners only request a fair opportunity so that the legal truth regarding the fulfilment of Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s educational requirements at the time of his appointment as Vice Presidential candidate can be tested through an open, impartial, transparent, and accountable evidentiary trial,” concluded the petitioner.