DPR Member Urges Constitutional Law Amendment on Government Officials' Pensions to be Discussed by Special Committee

Jakarta — A member of Commission II of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Zulfikar Arse Sadikin, has urged the discussion of the Constitutional Court’s decision on Law No. 12 of 1980 concerning government officials’ pensions to be handled by a Special Committee.

“Where would this be best discussed? Perhaps in Commission XI and II. If possible, a Special Committee would be better, so we can hear more aspirations from DPR members themselves,” Zulfikar stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Through decision No. 191/PUU-XXIII/2025, the Constitutional Court declared Law No. 12 of 1980 on the Financial and Administrative Rights of Leaders and Members of the Highest and High State Institutions, as well as Former Leaders and Members thereof, unconstitutional unless amended within two years.

Zulfikar expressed the view that the law is outdated and requires revision to remain relevant with contemporary developments. “This deserves evaluation from the Constitutional Court’s decision. We’ll see. In my opinion, the law should be revised because it is too old. It should be adjusted to developments in our times and aligned with public aspirations—how the finances, protocol, and administration of state officials should be more proportional,” he said.

Zulfikar further emphasised that the DPR, as the legislative body, will follow up on the Constitutional Court’s decision. “Indonesia is a state based on law. Since the law has decided, we must all comply. Especially since the Constitutional Court’s decision is stated in legislation to be final and binding. Hopefully within the timeframe set by the Constitutional Court, the legislators—the DPR and President—can adjust Law No. 12 of 1980,” he stated.

The Constitutional Court declared that Law No. 12 of 1980 on the Financial and Administrative Rights of Leaders and Members of the Highest and High State Institutions, including former leaders, is no longer relevant. Through decision No. 191/PUU-XXIII/2025, the Court ruled that the law, which regulates pension rights for leaders and members of state institutions including the MPR and DPR, is unconstitutional unless amended within a maximum of two years.

Constitutional Court Chief Suhartoyo stated in Jakarta on Monday: “We declare Law No. 12 of 1980 contradicts the 1945 Constitution and has no binding legal force conditionally, insofar as it is not replaced with a new law within a maximum of two years from the pronouncement of this decision.”

The Court found that the law has lost relevance due to new developments in state administration. Law No. 12 of 1980 no longer aligns with the structure of state institutions under the 1945 Constitution.