Marking 70th Birthday, Prof Jimly Hopes His Struggle's Baton Will Be Passed On

The first Chairman of the Constitutional Court (MK), Prof Jimly Asshiddiqie, hopes that the baton of his struggle in the field of constitutional law can be continued by future generations. Jimly realises that his ideas will take time to be realised.

This was conveyed by Jimly during his 70th birthday celebration in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/4/2026). This Professor of Law at the University of Indonesia hopes that his birthday can serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing his ideas regarding constitutional law matters.

“Birthdays usually commemorate dates, places, events; this time we commemorate ideas. Hopefully, we can continue to communicate, maintain continuity, the baton of the struggle for ideas without stopping,” said Jimly at the event.

He expressed gratitude for being able to celebrate his birthday with close associates such as the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Prof Yusril Ihza Mahendra, former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Prof Mahfud MD, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (MA) Hatta Ali. Jimly had just been discharged from hospital to attend his birthday celebration.

“Grateful, Alhamdulillah, I was just discharged from hospital last night, still a bit shaky. Alhamdulillah, today I can be with all of you to express thanks and gratitude,” said the founder of the Jimly School of Law and Government (JSLG).

At the age of 70, Jimly, together with JSLG, has published around 83 books. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to publish so many books. The Chairman of the National Police Reform Team hopes that his works can contribute to the nation.

“Alhamdulillah, grateful, Alhamdulillah, hopefully this is a blessing for me to remind myself to do even more,” said Jimly.

Meanwhile, Yusril Ihza Mahendra has special memories with Jimly. The two were once active at the Al-Azhar Mosque in Jakarta and UI. He knew that Jimly was once sad when he did not complete his postgraduate programme at UI.

“Pak Jimly was sad that I left the UI postgraduate programme. But we met again when I was at the State Secretariat. I stopped by Jimly’s office, we chatted, and then Jimly said let’s just proceed to become professors; we jumped ahead with the signing of the decree by Pak Harto,” said Yusril.