Ikahi urges Gus Dur to appoint chief justice

BANDUNG (JP): The Indonesian Judges Association (Ikahi) on Tuesday urged President Abdurrahman Wahid to name a new chief justice to optimize the judiciary's performance.

Ikahi chairman Aji Suharto said at the opening of the association's 13th congress at the Merdeka Building here that the vacant position must be filled soon.

The statement was made by Aji before the President officially opened the congress.

"We do hope Bapak President that the chief justice post will be filled soon to optimize (the efficiency of) the country's judicial function," Aji said.

"People have been longing for an independent judicial body as stipulated by the 1945 Constitution," he added.

The issuance of Law No. 35/1999, to replace Law No. 14/1970 regarding the basic regulations on judicial authority, was welcomed by the people, he said. "Unfortunately the law has yet to be implemented because there is no person in charge to realize the execution of the law."

To the congress participants' surprise, the President did not respond to the judges' request.

In his address, President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid said that legal development and the respect of human rights in the future were a prerequisite for democracy.

Some 500 former and current justices attended the congress.

Gus Dur has been the target of criticism for prolonging the appointment of a chief justice. He has yet to approve either of the two chief justice candidates selected by the House of Representatives (DPR), Muladi and Bagir Manan.

Before opening the congress, the President visited the state- owned PT Pindad, the only weaponry and munitions factory in the country.

Pindad president Budi Santoso told the President that the company wanted a long-term contract for the supply of guns and ammunition to the military and police, which was terminated in 1997, to be renewed.

"The long-term contract would indicate the government's firm support of the military and police. And for Pindad the long-term contract would allow a concrete long-term plan which could boost our spirits," said Budi.

According to Budi, the first long-term deal with the government was executed between 1987 and 1991, before being continued from 1992 to 1997. "Since then there has not been another long-term agreement, despite the fact that Pindad has been supplying certain guns, including the SS1 and AK 47, as well as various types of munitions, grenades, and water cannon."

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, their daughter Zanuba Arifah Absoch Rahman, known as Yenny, and presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar, did not respond to Budi's request.

Instead, Abdurrahman praised Pindad for its good performance as a profit-seeking company and a company which has contributed to the country's security. (25/sur)