KY emphasises judicial oversight to safeguard judicial integrity
The Judicial Commission (KY) is a vital part of the constitutional mechanism to maintain and improve the judicial power. This institution should not be viewed as being in opposition to the judiciary.
The Chairman of the Judicial Commission, Abdul Chair Ramadhan, emphasised the importance of strengthening the oversight of judges to achieve good governance.
“The KY is an essential part of the constitutional mechanism to maintain and perfect judicial power. This institution should not be perceived as being in conflict with the judiciary,” Chair stated in a written statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
He delivered these remarks during a public lecture at the Faculty of Law, Hasanuddin University (Unhas), Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday (30/9), themed around the role of the KY in perfecting judicial power and achieving good governance.
Chair noted that while court decisions appear on paper, their impact reaches the lives of those seeking justice. Therefore, judicial independence must be accompanied by integrity and ethical accountability.
He emphasised that the KY’s oversight is directed at the conduct of judges, not intended to intervene in court decisions.
“Oversight is required so that independence remains within the corridors of ethics and law, while simultaneously preserving the honour and nobility of the judges’ dignity,” he said.
Chair also highlighted the need to clarify the relationship between the authority of the KY and the Supreme Court, particularly regarding judicial oversight.
He assessed that a revision of the Judicial Commission Law is necessary so that the oversight function can operate more effectively. Furthermore, trial monitoring and mechanisms that reconcile judicial independence with accountability must be strengthened.
Members of the KY, including Andi Muhammad Asrun, and the Dean of the Unhas Faculty of Law, Hamzah Halim, also attended the public lecture.
“Independence must go hand in hand with integrity, transparency, accountability, and the honour of the judicial profession,” Chair added.
According to him, judicial independence and accountability should not be pitted against each other. Independence protects judges from intervention, whereas accountability protects the public from the abuse of power.
“When both operate in tandem, they build a judiciary that is clean, authoritative, and trusted,” he stated.
Hamzah reminded students that legal education extends beyond the ability to read regulations or construct arguments. Law faculties also bear the responsibility of shaping legal professionals who possess moral fortitude and a sensitivity to justice.
“It is hoped that this public lecture serves as a space for dialogue, a place where students can test ideas and understand that public trust is supported by the integrity of those who administer the law,” he said.