MK Judge Expels Expert from Gibran's Side Over Statements on Illegal PHPU Hearing

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Constitutional Court (MK) Judge Saldi Isra requested that expert witness Muhammad Rullyandi, presented by the respondent in the dispute over the candidacy requirements of Vice Presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2024 election, leave the courtroom.

"You may not stay any longer, that's enough. Please leave the courtroom. Others should not comment," Saldi stated during the session held at the MK on Thursday (1/10/2026).

Initially, Constitutional Judge Arsul Sani asked Rullyandi to clarify his statement made on a talk show, where he labeled the proceedings of case 01/PHPU.PRES-XXIV/2026 as illegal.

"I saw on television a statement saying that this trial is illegal, and that the Chief of the Constitutional Court is illegal," Arsul said.

He further pointed out that if Rullyandi did not retract his statement, there would be no point in attending a session he deemed illegal.

Additionally, Arsul mentioned that Rullyandi's written statement did not address the legality of the proceedings, thus questioning its credibility in court.

"I have read your expert testimony, and no, you did not discuss the illegality of these proceedings," he added.

Judge Saldi then asked Rullyandi to withdraw his statement.

After a lengthy debate, Saldi decided to pause the session to consider the continuation of the trial.

Shortly after the recess, Saldi Isra ruled that Rullyandi's testimony would be accepted only in written form.

"What is accepted is your written testimony, and you will not be providing oral testimony," Saldi stated.