Analyst: Judges Should Not Engage in Politics in the Courtroom

The government is committed to not raising the price of subsidised fuel (BBM) throughout 2026.

Director Executive of the National Political Studies (KPN) Adib Miftahul has reminded judges in the case of alleged corruption within the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) North Sumatra Region to maintain their independence and neutrality.

According to Adib, judges must uphold the dignity and honour of the court by adhering to the code of ethics, including behaving fairly, honestly, wisely, and prudently.

“Judges must not adjudicate cases that involve conflicts of interest, whether personal, familial, or other relationships,” said Adib on Tuesday (7/4/26).

A judge, Adib continued, must not take sides either inside or outside the courtroom. This concern was expressed by Adib observing the course of the DJKA corruption trial, where one of the defendants mentioned the flow of corruption proceeds for the interests of the Presidential Election (Pilpres) and the North Sumatra Gubernatorial Election (Pilgub).

For Adib, the clarity and objectivity of judges in leading the trial fairly is very necessary, rather than using the court platform for personal interests or other matters that obscure independence.

If judges engage in politics in the courtroom, it can damage public trust in the judicial institution. Likewise, in deciding cases, a judge must be free from the influence of public opinion or political intervention.