This book critically evaluates different models of judicial leadership in Indonesia
to examine the impact that individual chief justices can have on the development
of constitutional courts. It explores the importance of this leadership as a factor
explaining the dynamic of judicial power. Drawing on an Aristotelean model of
heroism and the established idea of judicial heroes to explore the types of leadership
that judges can exercise, it illustrates how Indonesia’s recent experience
offers a stark contrast between the different models. First, a prudential-minimalist
heroic chief justice who knows how to enhance the Court’s authority while fortifying
the Court’s status by playing a minimalist role in policy areas. Second, a
bold and aggressive heroic chief justice, employing an ambitious constitutional
interpretation. The third model is a soldier-type chief justice, who portrays himself
as a subordinate of the Executive and Legislature. Contrary perhaps to expectations,
the book’s findings show a more cautious initial approach to be the most
effective. The experience of Indonesia clearly illustrates the importance of heroic
judicial leadership and how the approach chosen by a court can have serious
consequences for its success. This book will be a valuable resource for those interested
in the law and politics of Indonesia, comparative constitutional law, and
comparative judicial politics.