Ethical violation by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court against Indonesian law and democracy

https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v2i2.3280
Published: Aug 6, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study analyzes the decision of the Honorary Council of the Constitutional Court Number 02/MKMK/L/11/2023 regarding ethical violations by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court's ruling on the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates sparked public debate and raised concerns about democratic principles in Indonesia.

Method: This research uses normative legal methods focusing on coherence among legal principles, concepts, and applicable rules.

Results: The findings show that Anwar Usman was proven to have seriously violated the code of ethics and behavior of constitutional judges. In a state governed by law, rulers and citizens are equal before the law. Judges must not abuse their authority for personal or group interests. The MKMK decision seeks to uphold judicial ethics and restore public trust in the Constitutional Court.

Conclusion: The findings confirm that violations of judicial ethics at the highest level of the Constitutional Court undermine the principles of impartiality and democracy. The MKMK's decision provides a legal and moral corrective that reaffirms the importance of integrity and judicial independence, with the aim of restoring institutional legitimacy ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Limitations: This research is limited to analyzing MKMK Decision Number 02/MKMK/L/11/2023 and the applicable judicial code of ethics.

Contributions: The study contributes to strengthening judicial accountability, offers insights for legal scholars, and supports public confidence in constitutional justice.

Keywords:
1. Code of Ethics
2. Democracy
3. MKMK Decision
Authors:
1 . A. Resopijani
University of Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia
2 . Yohanes Baptista Neonbeni
University of Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia
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Resopijani, A., & Neonbeni, Y. B. . (2025). Ethical violation by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court against Indonesian law and democracy. Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 2(2), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v2i2.3280
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Issue & Section
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): February
Articles
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  2. Arifin, G., Virgayani, V., Asriyani, A., Muja'hidah, M. h., & Jubair, J. (2025). Enhancing The Role Of Political Parties In Advancing Political Education As A Foundation For Democracy. Fiat Justisia: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 19(1), 73-92. doi:https://doi.org/10.25041/fiatjustisia.v19no1.4026
  3. Aurelya Putri, A., & Kayus Kayowuan, L. (2025). Pelanggaran Kode Etik oleh Hakim Konstitusi dalam Perspektif Etika Profesi Hukum : Studi Kasus Hakim Konstitusi Anwar Usman. Amandemen: Jurnal Ilmu pertahanan, Politik dan Hukum Indonesia, 2(3), 206-215. doi:10.62383/amandemen.v2i3.1026
  4. Burhanudin, A. A. (2018). Peran etika profesi hukum sebagai upaya penegakan hukum yang baik. El-Faqih: Jurnal Pemikiran Dan Hukum Islam, 4(2), 50-67.
  5. Caya, A. N. A., & Hakim, L. (2024). Democracy and Reflections on 25 Years of Indonesian Reformation. ARRUS Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(1), 117-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.35877/soshum2422
  6. Disantara, F. P., Putri, F. F., Mufarrochah, S., & Assari, E. (2023). Ekstentifikasi Kewenangan Majelis Kehormatan Mahkamah Konstitusi Dalam Memperkuat Gagasan Constitutional Ethics. LITIGASI, 24(1), 40-63.
  7. Endriyon, E., Gunarto, T., & Murwiati, A. (2025). Measuring the achievements of smart economics in the smart village program in Lampung Province 2020-2024. Studi Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Publik, 3(1), 43-60. doi:10.35912/sekp.v3i1.5260
  8. Fadjar, A. M. (2016). Sejarah, elemen dan tipe negara hukum. Malang: Setara Press.
  9. Faturahman, M. (2025). Juridical Analysis of The Authority of The Honorary Assembly of The Constitutional Court Against Alleged Violations of The Code of Ethics. Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Sains, 6(6), 1818-1832. doi:10.59141/jiss.v6i6.1766
  10. Ferrer, S., Hernández, E., Prada, E., & Tomic, D. (2025). The value of liberal democracy: Assessing citizens' commitment to democratic principles. European journal of political research. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6765.70021
  11. Kristiyanto, H., Arinanto, S., & Ghafur, H. S. (2023). Institutionalization and party resilience in Indonesian electoral democracy. Heliyon, 9(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22919
  12. Maula, M. I. (2022). Analisis Ketaatan Hukum Masyarakat Mewujudkan Konsep Negara Hukum. De Cive: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan, 2(8), 290-299.
  13. Muhlashin, I. (2021). Negara Hukum, Demokrasi Dan Penegakan Hukum Di Indonesia. Jurnal Al-Qadau: Peradilan Dan Hukum Keluarga Islam, 8(1), 87-100.
  14. Mujadi, M., & Astutik, S. (2023). Sanksi Hukum Bagi Hakim Yang Melanggar Kode Etik Profesi. Jurnal Justitia: jurnal Ilmu Hukum Dan Humaniora, 6(2), 500-507.
  15. Ngaliman, N., Catrayasa, I. W., & Khairil, K. (2025). Analysis of work life balance, job satisfaction and its effect on the performance of employees of the General Bureau of the Regional Secretariat of the Riau Islands Province. Studi Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Publik, 3(2), 93-107. doi:10.35912/sekp.v3i2.5278
  16. Okta, A. D. K., & Nursanita, N. (2025). Analisis Teori Keagenan, Peran Tata Kelola, Dan Peran Tata Kelola Bisnis Untuk Mengatasi Konflik Kepentingan. Studi Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Publik, 3(2), 81-92. doi:10.35912/sekp.v3i2.4980
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  21. Russo, G. A., Avelino, G., & Guarnieri, F. H. (2022). Democratic principles and performance: What do the experts think? Journal of Politics in Latin America, 14(2), 224-236. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1866802X221107032
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