Ikahi urges Gus Dur to appoint chief justice
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)