When the legislative candidates' attorneys admired Saldi Isra and Arsul Sani at the Constitutional Court...

One of the applicant's attorneys was amazed by the two judges who heard the case.

SUSANA RITA KUMALASANTI

The legal counsel for the legislative candidate from the Prosperous Justice Party, Najamudin, expressed admiration towards Saldi Isra and Arsul Sani, two constitutional judges who presided over the dispute case regarding the legislative election that he filed.

The hearing on the dispute over the results of the general election or PHPU, which is usually serious, suddenly turned into boisterous laughter. It was Najamudin, lawyer, one of the legislative candidates from the Prosperous Justice Party, who was the trigger. To be precise, it was because of Najamudin's appearance, whose hair had just been cut.

"Where did you cut his hair, Mr. Najamudin?" asked Deputy Chief of the Constitutional Court Saldi Isra, who led the hearing, when the young lawyer finished reading the main points of the petition submitted on Thursday (May 2, 2024).

The question was met with laughter from the attendees at the hearing. Indeed, Najamudin's hair appeared to have just been shaved bald around the ears. However, a few centimeters of hair were left on the upper third of his head, so it still looked black.

Also read: Constitutional Judge Saldi Isra Fulfills Summons of Honorary Council

"It looks like these scissors are new. "Like me, I also just cut it," said Saldi seriously.

"Yes. With your permission, Your Excellency, we are from a distant place. From NTB, Your Excellency," Najamudin said with a smile, but he did not answer Saldi's question.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Constitutional Judge Saldi Isra attended a hearing of the reading of the verdict on the dispute over the results of the 2024 Presidential Election by constitutional judges at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta on Monday (22/4/2024).

Saldi's admirer

Receiving such a response, Saldi even replied, "Likewise. I am also from far away. We both have a western region. You are from West Nusa Tenggara, and I am from West Sumatra."

As if catching a breath of air, Najamudin continued to express what was in his heart. "But, essentially, Your Excellency, from the bottom of my heart, I personally am an admirer of Prof. Saldi Isra."

Gerrr.... Najamudin's words broke the silence in the panel 2 courtroom in Building II Constitutional Court. Loud laughter filled the room. The atmosphere becomes bright and cheerful.

KOMPAS

Constitutional Justice Arief Hidayat emphasized that it would not be good if the President as the head of state, who is also the symbol of the state, was presented at the trial.

Meanwhile, Saldi Isra could only say, "Wow."

Not yet finished with his expression, Najamudin continued, "Secondly, Your Excellency, Arsul Sani. I often watch him in Commission III of the Provincial DPRD.”

But, in principle, to be honest, Your Excellency, from the bottom of my heart, I personally am an admirer of Prof. Saldi Isra.

Again the atmosphere in the court "broke". Arsul is indeed a member of panel 2 along with the constitutional judges.

Saldi also corrected, “DPR RI. He'll get angry later."

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Constitutional Judge Arsul Sani attended a hearing for the reading of the verdict on the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the 2024 Presidential Election dispute, in Jakarta on Monday (22/4/2024).

Not objective

Receiving admiration from one of the applicant's legal representatives or from the involved party does not make Saldi give up. He then tried to turn things around and commented on the admiration expressed by Najamudin.

"Later, sir, if you admire me, you'll be told you're not being objective, and I'll report it later," said Saldi, who was greeted with laughter.

Also read: Arsul Sani Officially Constitutional Judge

Intermissions are sometimes necessary to lighten the mood. Especially when the session is held during vulnerable hours like after lunchtime. Usually, drowsiness easily attacks, especially when the stomach feels full and fatigue starts to hit in the cool room due to the cold breeze from the air conditioning.

On Thursday, the Constitutional Court held its first hearing for 81 cases that were divided into three equal panels. The hearing started at 8:00 AM Western Indonesia Time.