JAKARTA, LITERASIHUKUM.COM — Former Chief of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman admitted to feeling relieved after ending his term as a constitutional justice. During the post-retirement graduation ceremony at the Constitutional Court Building, Jakarta, Monday (13/4/2026), Anwar stated that the tears shed at the end of his service did not arise from regret, but from the long journey of joys and sorrows during 15 years of service in the institution that safeguards the constitution.

According to Anwar, the journey as a constitutional justice has never been easy. He emphasized that every decision handed down by a judge almost always leaves disappointment from one party. Therefore, being a judge means being prepared to face pressure, criticism, and even rejection, without losing the commitment to uphold law and justice.

"Indeed, a judge, when delivering a verdict, at the very least gains one enemy. Why? Because it is impossible to produce a verdict that satisfies all parties," said Anwar.

Judges Must Be Prepared to Face Pressure

On that occasion, Anwar also recalled a moment when a newly appointed Constitutional Court justice contacted him because they felt unable to cope with public pressure. To that judge, Anwar reminded them that pressure is part of the risk of a judge's profession, especially when what is being fought for is truth, law, and justice.

For Anwar, the task of a judge is not to seek popularity or please all parties, but to safeguard the constitutional mandate. Therefore, he believes that integrity and steadfastness are absolute qualities that every Constitutional Court justice must possess.

Closing His Term with Apologies and Moral Messages

Towards the end of his tenure, Anwar also expressed his gratitude to all levels of the Constitutional Court. He also conveyed his apologies for all shortcomings during his term. In his message, he asked the judges who are still on duty to continue to uphold the mandate and not to back down in upholding the law.

Anwar emphasized that during his tenure, he strived to remain steadfast in the principle of upholding truth and justice. That statement concluded his long service at the Constitutional Court, an institution that has been one of the main pillars safeguarding the constitution and democracy in Indonesia.