Mahfud MD Terima Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana Dalam Memori Hari Ini, 13 Agustus 2013

Mahfud MD, who once served as Chairman of the Constitutional Court from 2008-2013. (ANTARA PHOTO/Widodo S. Jusuf)

JAKARTA Memories of today, 11 years ago, August 13, 2013, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) awarded Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana to the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK), Mafhud MD. The award was made because Mahfud's great achievements took part in the government.

Previously, Mahfud had tried all three main government institutions. Mahfud had experienced being a minister, members of the DPR, to the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court.

Imej Mahfud MD as a classy constitutional law expert. President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) until attracted. Gus Dur appointed him as minister twice: Minister of Defense and Minister of Justice and Human Rights.

Mahfud was able to carry out both roles well. He also began to learn a lot about the pattern of government work. When Gus Dur stepped down his position ended. However, Mahfud still wants to serve the nation and state.

He began to look at his desire to serve in the legislature as a member of the DPR. Gus Dur had opposed this wish. Mahfud MD actually insisted. He wants to try to work as a representative of the people for the 2004-2008 period.

He tried to learn the ins and outs of the DPR. He also observed how DPR members solve problems. However, he considers the DPR not his world. Efforts to contribute in the DPR seem lacking. The DPR system, which is a collegial collective joint decision, has limited space for movement.

Mahfud then chose a new path: judicial. He looks at dreams of becoming a Constitutional Justice. Gus Dur supports him. Because, according to Mahfud's fitrah' as a constitutional law expert. He did not only succeed as a Constitutional Judge, Mahfud was actually able to advance as Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court in 2008.

Under his control, the Constitutional Court was praised by many people. he presents many important decisions, from the affairs of the position of Chairman of the KPK to the civil status of children born out of marriage. Later Mahfud's position as chairman of the Constitutional Court ended on April 1, 2013.

"There is some kind of confusion about the news saying I'm resigning. I'm not resigning but reporting to the DPR that my tenure was completed on April 1 and I asked to stop because my term of duty was over."

"Because I will not extend the task. And according to the law, six months before the end of the term of office, I had to report. Actually, I reported two months ago, October 1, I sent a letter and received the chairman of the DPR. It's just that this became a fuss because Commission III only discussed yesterday, then it was opened by reporters, how come Mr. Mahfud resigned? Even though no, it's been 2 months according to the law," Mahfud explained as quoted on Detik.com page, November 22, 2012.

Instead of immediately enjoying life outside of power, Mahfud could not really be separated from the government. He chose the path as a figure who corrected the government from outside. He often threw criticism in the SBY era.

President SBY was not a problem. He considered that he needed input from people like Mahfud. Even then President SBY gave Mahfud the Mahaputra Adipradana Star award at the State Palace on August 13, 2013.

The award is proof that the government appreciates Mahfud's services who are present in three important government institutions: executive, legislative, and judicial. Mahfud accepted it with pleasure. The award became an affirmation for him to continue to be a good person.

"The person who was given this award was good. Therefore, I am happy and feel hostage to remain good," Mahfud said as quoted by the COMPASS.com page, August 13, 2013.