MKMK Chairman Reported to Ethics Council over Alleged Code of Conduct Violations
The Indonesian Student Forum (Formasi) has filed a complaint against the Chairman of the Constitutional Court’s Ethics Council (MKMK), I Dewa Gede Palguna, with the MKMK itself. The complaint was submitted on grounds of alleged violations of the code of ethics and conduct for constitutional court justices.
“Formasi considers that the attitude and actions of I Dewa Gede Palguna in carrying out his functions as MKMK Chairman have exceeded the bounds of ethical propriety and demonstrate a tendency towards personalisation of authority that is inconsistent with the values of judicial independence,” read an official statement from Formasi on Saturday (21/2/2026).
The key points of Formasi’s complaint include allegations that Palguna made comments and harsh criticisms of other state institutions, particularly the House of Representatives’ Legislation Body (Baleg DPR RI), outside official forums. The evidence cited was his characterisation of the revision of the Constitutional Court Law as “the greatest disruption in history” during an online discussion in May 2024.
Furthermore, Formasi argued that Palguna violated the principles of internal confidentiality and collegiality by disclosing details of Justice Anwar Usman’s attendance record to the public in the 2025 annual report. This was deemed unethical as it was done before any final resolution through internal mechanisms.
Formasi also noted that Palguna had used emotional language such as “my heart is shattered” when addressing the state of the Constitutional Court, which the group considered lacking in objectivity and inconsistent with his role as an ethics guardian.
The group further highlighted tensions in February 2026 when Palguna stated he would rather be dismissed than disclose the substance of certain ethics reports during a joint session with the House of Representatives. Formasi also referenced Palguna’s examination by the Ethics Board in 2017 in connection with the Patrialis Akbar bribery case as a note on his integrity record.
Formasi demanded that the MKMK conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged ethics violations. The group also called on the MKMK to impose fair sanctions to uphold the dignity of the judiciary.
“An MKMK Chairman is expected to demonstrate impeccable moral integrity and consistent ethical maturity. We see a pattern of behaviour that risks diminishing ethical standards within the Constitutional Court,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, MKMK Secretariat Head Fajar Laksono confirmed that the complaint had been received, noting it was filed on 18 February 2026.
“It has been received by the MKMK Secretariat. Dated 18 February,” Fajar said when asked for confirmation.
Contacted separately, Palguna initially believed the complaint had been misdirected, as the subject of the report was described as “constitutional court justice” I Dewa Gede Palguna.
“Yesterday I did receive word of this from the Secretariat. However, since the person reported was apparently ‘constitutional court justice’ I Dewa Gede Palguna, I thought it was sent to the wrong address,” Palguna said.
Nevertheless, Palguna said he would face the complaint directed at him, including the allegations of ethical violations.
“Of course I must face this with a big heart and humility. This is an occupational hazard,” he said.