Building trust in the law

Building trust in the law

Indonesians are becoming more daring in expressing their
views. They are even finding the courage to take their cases to
the State Administrative Court. Since there can be no happiness
without justice, they are making more of an effort to realize a
greater equality before the law.

In light of this development, no less a person than President
Soeharto has, on earlier occasions, advised our law enforcers to
be constantly mindful of the emergence of such a climate. "We
must view this as a positive development, as part of the progress
which we have achieved," the President said.

It is in this context that we find the statement from the
Chairman of the State Administrative Court, Benjamin
Mangkoedilaga, interesting. In one of his press interviews he
said he did not want his subordinates to "play games". He said
people who came to the court to submit their complaints were
people with problems. It would be ironic if the burden they
already had to bear should be made even heavier by officials who
should be helping them.

On the other hand, we cannot close our eyes to the realities
that exist in society. Lawfulness and justice are still
principles for which we must fight without fail. Moreover, some
government officials, who are embroiled in legal conflicts with
members of the public, are still reluctant to respond to
summonses from the State Administrative Court.

A more conducive atmosphere can only be created if all parties
concerned give their share to the process. In other words, law
enforcers, government officials and all members of the community
must give their support in the efforts to uphold the law. Law
enforcers must demonstrate greater integrity, government
officials must provide better protection to the people and the
public must show greater loyalty.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta