Megawati's Story of Applauding Arief Hidayat's Dissenting Opinion at the Constitutional Court

JAKARTA - Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, admitted to having applauded when Arief Hidayat, while still serving as a Constitutional Court (MK) judge, delivered a dissenting opinion in a particular case. “When he (Arief) boldly gave his dissenting opinion, wow, I clapped my hands. Hooray, it’s fine to have at least one,” Megawati said in her speech at the conferral ceremony for the Emeritus Professor title for former MK judge Arief Hidayat at Borobudur University, Jakarta, on Saturday (2/5/2026). In her speech, Megawati did not specify the particular case or petition at the MK she was referring to. “When I was at the MK, I saw him (Arief), I was so pleased. I patted my chest because I was embarrassed; how did the MK I established end up like that?” said Mega. The General Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) assessed that Arief is one of the figures who still sides with legal truth. Megawati also appreciated Arief’s performance and thinking, which on this day earned him the emeritus professor title from Borobudur University. “I once again extend my highest appreciation to Professor Doctor Arief Hidayat. His thoughts serve as a reminder to us all that Indonesia’s rule of law must continue to be fought for as a living rule of law, grounded in values, moving together with the people, and oriented towards substantive justice,” said Megawati. Megawati admitted to having received information that many innocent people are being ensnared in legal cases. “I’ve heard a lot about people who will be treated unfairly by the law in Indonesia. It’s true, I say, what’s this about? This one, Ma’am, this one, Ma’am. I say, this is so convenient, what kind of republic is this?” said Megawati. “I always tell my followers, put into your heart what is called the Eternal Flame. That flame is Pancasila, and that flame is justice, so it remains burning in Indonesia’s journey towards a more dignified future,” Megawati concluded.