Indonesian Judges' Association Proposes Formation of Special Security Unit for Judges

The Indonesian Judges’ Association (Ikahi) has proposed the formation of a special security unit tasked with protecting judges. This special security unit is suggested to operate directly under the Supreme Court (MA) and the judicial bodies beneath it. “This is very important given the increasingly complex challenges and potential threats to judicial independence in carrying out their duties,” stated Yanto during a public hearing (RDPU) with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) discussing the Judicial Position Bill (RUU Jabatan Hakim), on Tuesday (31/3/2026), as reported by Kompas.id. The special security unit is proposed to consist of elements from the police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). In addition to the special security unit, Ikahi also proposes that Supreme Court justices serve for 20 years from their appointment. “The tenure of Supreme Court justices should be 20 years from the time of their inauguration. This will provide legal certainty while maintaining a balance between experience and regeneration within the judicial institution,” said Yanto. If the 20-year tenure proposal is included in the Judicial Position Bill, Yanto suggests a transitional period for current Supreme Court justices. This means that current justices would have the option to retire at age 70 or after completing 20 years of service. Yanto explained that the proposal for a 20-year tenure for Supreme Court justices stems from the needs of the MA, considering a 12-year moratorium on recruiting prospective judges. “To appoint one generation of judges takes four years, starting from civil service candidates first. After becoming civil servants, they then take the prospective judge test. Following that, they undergo eight months of training at the training centre. After that, a two-year internship, so one batch of judges requires four years. This is what causes many judges to retire, but regeneration is somewhat difficult,” said Yanto.