Judicial body candidates facing final tests
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has shortlisted 14 potential candidates for the seven seats on the judicial commission, the powerful new body which is intended to oversee the courts.
The members, which include three former judges, four academics, an activist and a bevy of lawyers, will soon come under the House of Representatives' scrutiny.
Abdulgani Abdullah, who led the team selecting the candidates, said after a meeting with the President on Tuesday, that Susilo as the head of state would submit the list of candidates to the House on Wednesday.
The House will pick seven of the candidates to sit on the commission, whose powers will include supervising the courts and selecting Supreme Court and chief justices.
"The President has approved the candidates and will pass on them to the House," Abdulgani said.
Critics have questioned the integrity and experience of some of the candidates, who had passed a series of tests that included essay writing. They were selected from around 300 initial applicants.
The selection team consisted of 22 members, who worked between February and April this year.
The President will have to install the Judicial Commission members by June 13, in accordance with Law No. 22/2004 on the judicial commission.
Three elections caused a delay to the establishment of the commission last year.
According to the law, the commission will improve impartiality and professionalism on the part of the courts, which activists say are riddled with corruption from top to bottom.
Judicial commission member candidates
Name Profession
Benyamin Mangkudilaga former judge
Zainal Arifin former judge
Margana former judge
M. Tahir Seimima legal practitioner
Irawady Joenus legal practitioner
Johny N. Simanjuntak legal practitioner
Iryanto Subiakto legal practitioner
Jeldi Ramadan legal practitioner
Prof. Chatamarrasjidi academic
Moh. Busro Muqoddas academic
Prof. Mustafa Abdullah academic
Prof. H. Ahmad Sutarmadi academic
Sukma Violetta legal aid activist
Soekotjo Soeparto former member of State Officials
Wealth Audit Commission