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