Court's transparency questioned<\/p>\n
Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The Supreme Court, in the spotlight for overturning a lower
\ncourt's decision to impose a jail sentence on Tommy Soeharto, has
\nbeen criticized for lacking transparency in its decision making
\nprocess.<\/p>\n
Legal expert Harkristuti Harkrisnowo said on Tuesday that the
\nSupreme Court was yet to make itself accessible to the public for
\ninformation on how it handles cases.<\/p>\n
Greater transparency will improve the Supreme Court's
\naccountability and professionalism, said Harkristuti, a teacher
\nat the University of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\"If given access, the public can weigh whether a ruling has
\nstrong legal arguments or whether there is corruption behind it.
\nPublic access ensures transparency, which is a prerequisite for
\ngood governance,\" she told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
She suggested that the Court publish the rulings on the
\ninternet or bulletin, which can used for academic purposes.<\/p>\n
At present, it is near impossible for students to get copies
\nof documents on cases the Supreme Court handles, unless their
\nprofessor is a Supreme Court justice, she said.<\/p>\n
\"The classic reason is that the Supreme Court does not have a
\ngood filing system and it is too broke to upgrade it. To make
\nmatters worse, Indonesia does not yet have a freedom of
\ninformation act.\"<\/p>\n
Chief Justice Bagir Manan has pledged to reform the Supreme
\nCourt by allowing the public access to its premises and
\ninformation, but many say it is not enough.<\/p>\n
Justice Benyamin Mangkoedilaga said that the Court has opened
\nits doors to the public and its rulings can be found in its
\njournals and have been used in universities.<\/p>\n
Benyamin said that all court sessions were open to members of
\nthe public but their numbers should be restricted due to the
\nlimited space.<\/p>\n
The Supreme Court building has not been designed to
\naccommodate large crowds in its two court rooms.<\/p>\n
\"Reading of rulings is announced to the public three days
\nearlier to allow the public to attend.\"<\/p>\n
But people familiar with the Supreme Court system will find
\nthat what Benyamin calls \"announcement\" is a mere verbal notice
\namong justices and other related employees about the upcoming
\nsession.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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