Indonesia Begins Search for New Constitutional Court Judge as Anwar Usman Nears Retirement
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Indonesia’s Supreme Court (MA) has initiated the process of selecting a replacement for Constitutional Court (MK) Judge Anwar Usman, who is set to retire in April 2026. The announcement signals a significant transition for the nation’s highest judicial body and underscores the importance of maintaining an independent and robust constitutional review process.
Supreme Court Announces Shortlist of Candidates
On Tuesday, February 2, 2026, the Supreme Court released a list of ten prospective judges to succeed Usman, following the completion of the administrative selection phase. The list, detailed in announcement number 19/WKMA.Y/KP1.1/11/2026, was signed by Suharto, the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court for Judicial Affairs and Chairman of the Selection Committee. According to reports, the candidates have all successfully navigated the initial administrative hurdles.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
Those shortlisted will now undergo a “fit and proper” test, a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess their qualifications, integrity, and suitability for the role. The schedule for this crucial stage of the selection process will be announced at a later date.
The Candidates
The ten candidates vying to replace Anwar Usman are:
- Avrits, a High Judge of the division of cases on the MA.
- Discipline F Manao, Chairman of PT TUN Medan.
- Fahmiron, a PT Denpasar High Judge.
- Fauzan, a High Judge of PT Agama Jakarta.
- I Made Sukadana, a Main Judge/High Judicial Judge at the Supreme Court.
- Liek Prisbawono Adi, a High Judge PT Medan.
- Marsudin Nainggolan, Chairman of PT Kaltara.
- Minanoer Rachman, a Junior Supreme Court Registrar.
- Sudharmawatiningsih, a Junior Registrar of the Supreme Court.
- Syahlan, Deputy Chairman of PT Bandung.
Anwar Usman’s Legacy and the Future of the Court
Anwar Usman has served as a judge on the Constitutional Court since 2011, and his second term is scheduled to conclude on April 6, 2026. He will also reach the age of 70 on December 31, 2026. His departure marks the end of an era for the court, and the selection of his successor will be a pivotal moment in shaping its future direction. The appointment will be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike, as the Constitutional Court plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding Indonesia’s democratic principles.
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