The Constitutional Court's Decision On The Addition Of The Position Period Of KPK Leaders Will Be Followed By The Government

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) would follow the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the addition of a term of office for the leadership of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The decision was taken after paying attention to debates between academics and constitutional experts.

"The government has decided to follow the Constitutional Court's decision," Mahfud told reporters at the Palace complex, Jakarta, Friday, June 9.

Mahfud agrees that many parties do not agree with the decision. However, the government must still comply with the decision that has been made by the Constitutional Court.

"Because the Constitutional Court states that the position of Commissioner of the KPK is valid for five years and is valid for the existing period, it will be followed," he said.

Even so, Mahfud said the government would not rush to issue a Presidential Decree (Keppres). This is because Firli Bahuri et al will still serve until December 19.

"But if the government does not issue a Presidential Decree, it does not form a selection team now, that means yes, it applies to the current position," he explained.

"Because if for example the government does not agree with the Constitutional Court's decision, yes, the Pansel should have formed it now," continued Mahfud.

As previously reported, the Constitutional Court granted the request for a judicial review submitted by the Deputy Chairperson of the KPK, Nurul Ghufron, on Thursday, May 25. This decision was read out by Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman during the Decree and Decision Speech Session.

"Declaring Article 34 of the KPK Law which originally reads 'KPK leaders hold office for 4 years and can be re-elected only for one term' contrary to the 1945 Constitution and do not have conditionally binding legal force as long as it is interpreted as 'KPK leaders hold office for 5 years and can be re-elected only for one term of office,' said Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman, which was broadcast on the MK YouTube channel.

There were several considerations in the decision. Among them, for the sake of alignment, because the four-year term scheme, recruitment was carried out twice, namely December 2019 and December 2023.