Bengkulu — Public Relations: The Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia for Judicial Affairs, Suharto, S.H., M.Hum., presided over the retirement ceremony of the Chief of the Bengkulu Religious High Court, Dr. Ahmad Fathoni, S.H., M.Hum. This farewell moment marked the conclusion of more than four decades of dedicated service in the judiciary.

In his remarks, the Deputy Chief Justice emphasized that retirement for a judge is not the end of service. While an official position may conclude administratively, the values upheld throughout one’s tenure continue to live on within society.

“Every journey of service has a beginning and an end, but in truth, for a judicial officer, service never truly ends. It merely transforms—from duties carried out in courtrooms behind the bench to becoming a living example within the community,” he stated.

The Supreme Court leadership regarded Dr. Ahmad Fathoni as a figure who consistently maintained integrity amid the complexities of religious court cases. According to him, the religious judiciary is not merely a matter of legal procedures, but deeply connected to the religious and spiritual aspects of society, ranging from family matters to sharia-based economic disputes.

“Retirement is not the end of service values; rather, it is the point at which those values, built over years, are tested 

in a broader life context. Exemplary conduct, simplicity, honesty, and wisdom—refined within the judiciary—now become provisions to continue contributing to society,” he stressed.

Dr. Ahmad Fathoni, he added, concluded his career with an impressive record. He praised his ability to navigate a “long journey” without blemish while leading appellate-level courts as the “frontline” entrusted by the Supreme Court leadership to oversee policies across various regions.

Looking at his career trajectory, Dr. Ahmad Fathoni began his service as a Candidate Judge at the Ketapang Religious Court on March 1, 1984. He later served as Chief Judge of the Tangerang Religious Court in 2005 before being promoted as a High Court Judge in several regions, including Palembang, Bandar Lampung, Banten, and Jakarta.

The strong trust from the Supreme Court leadership was reflected in his four appointments as Deputy Chief of Religious High Courts: in Jayapura (2020), Bangka Belitung (2021), Bandar Lampung (2022), and Banten (2022). He reached the peak of his career when appointed Chief of the West Papua Religious High Court in 2023, before concluding his service as Chief of the Bengkulu Religious High Court, a position he had held since July 2, 2025. (sk/ds/RS/Photo: sno/Translation:azh)