TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, officially named Saldi Isra as the new Constitutional Court Judge. Saldi took oath at the State Palace on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
As a Professor at Universitas Andalas, Saldi said that the presence of a new judge often brings-in new hope. "I'm thankful for the many people who wish the same," Saldi said.
Saldi added that the position of a judge is only one component from many other positions such as secretariats and general secretariat.
Saldi also stated that there must be a collective effort in order to restore the dignity of the Constitutional Court.
Saldi said that he will continue to preserve the institution's independence. Saldi also does not deny the fact that there are some people that accuse him of having close ties with President Jokowi. As an academician in the field of constitutional law, Saldi is often asked for his opinion by either the President and other institutions.
"I try to provide my assessment based on my knowledge without tainting the independency that's been long developed," Saldi said.
ADITYA BUDIMAN
