Survey shows judges lack sense of professionalism<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Judges, commonly considered wise and honorable
\npersons who always seek truth and justice, are often seen
\nreceiving telephone calls and, even worse, falling asleep in
\nIndonesia's courtrooms, a survey has revealed.<\/p>\n
\"Our judges lack professional initiative and discipline. They
\ndo not even respect their profession,\" noted lawyer Todung Mulya
\nLubis, quoted at the conclusion of the survey conducted by
\nJudicial Watch in five of the capital's district courts.<\/p>\n
The research was conducted from the third week of March to the
\nfirst week of May, 2001, and involved 12 researchers. It did not
\nreveal the number of judges observed.<\/p>\n
Sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the study was
\naimed at discovering whether judges comply with their code of
\nethics and respect their profession.<\/p>\n
The recently-concluded study was part of a series of
\nexaminations, which disclose the reasons behind the problems
\ncurrently beleaguering the country's judges and provide
\nrecommendations for improvement.<\/p>\n
Todung also said that, according to the study, many judges
\nwere often found daydreaming or paying attention to matters
\noutside the courtroom while prosecutors read an indictment.<\/p>\n
\"Some judges consider trials as routine, something which means
\nnothing to them. They never make justice their top priority. The
\nsituation has been worsening due to corrupt practices,\" said
\nTodung, who chairs Judicial Watch.<\/p>\n
The non-governmental organization will officially begin its
\nformal activities on May 15.<\/p>\n
Todung said that the results of the preliminary observation
\nhad been handed to newly-appointed Chief Justice Bagir Manan.<\/p>\n
\"I have a hope that Pak Bagir Manan will initiate all possible
\nmeasures to watch our judges and hand down stern sanctions
\nagainst them when professional malpractice occurs. Improving the
\njudges' professionalism will be Pak Bagir's first job,\" Todung
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The supremacy of law that the Supreme Court is attempting to
\nuphold is a prerequisite for a clean government, Todung added.<\/p>\n
Todung further suggested that the court avoid paying attention
\nonly to high profile cases, but also small cases which usually
\ninvolve the general public.<\/p>\n
\"Justice does not just belong to certain popular figures like
\nGinandjar (Kartasasmita) or Beddu Amang, but to ordinary people
\nas well, such as pickpockets, street vendors and taxi drivers,\"
\nTodung said. (02)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/survey-shows-judges-lack-sense-of-professionalism-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}