Court's transparency questioned

Court's transparency questioned

Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Supreme Court, in the spotlight for overturning a lower
court's decision to impose a jail sentence on Tommy Soeharto, has
been criticized for lacking transparency in its decision making
process.

Legal expert Harkristuti Harkrisnowo said on Tuesday that the
Supreme Court was yet to make itself accessible to the public for
information on how it handles cases.

Greater transparency will improve the Supreme Court's
accountability and professionalism, said Harkristuti, a teacher
at the University of Indonesia.

"If given access, the public can weigh whether a ruling has
strong legal arguments or whether there is corruption behind it.
Public access ensures transparency, which is a prerequisite for
good governance," she told The Jakarta Post.

She suggested that the Court publish the rulings on the
internet or bulletin, which can used for academic purposes.

At present, it is near impossible for students to get copies
of documents on cases the Supreme Court handles, unless their
professor is a Supreme Court justice, she said.

"The classic reason is that the Supreme Court does not have a
good filing system and it is too broke to upgrade it. To make
matters worse, Indonesia does not yet have a freedom of
information act."

Chief Justice Bagir Manan has pledged to reform the Supreme
Court by allowing the public access to its premises and
information, but many say it is not enough.

Justice Benyamin Mangkoedilaga said that the Court has opened
its doors to the public and its rulings can be found in its
journals and have been used in universities.

Benyamin said that all court sessions were open to members of
the public but their numbers should be restricted due to the
limited space.

The Supreme Court building has not been designed to
accommodate large crowds in its two court rooms.

"Reading of rulings is announced to the public three days
earlier to allow the public to attend."

But people familiar with the Supreme Court system will find
that what Benyamin calls "announcement" is a mere verbal notice
among justices and other related employees about the upcoming
session.