KY recommends sanctions for 121 judges in first half of 2026

The Judicial Commission (KY) has recommended that the Supreme Court (MA) impose sanctions on 121 judges found to have violated the Code of Ethics and Judicial Conduct (KEPPH) during the first half of 2026.

Abhan Misbah, a member of the KY for Judicial Supervision and Investigation, stated in Jakarta on Friday that these recommendations follow plenary sessions held over the last six months regarding 207 received complaints. He noted a significant increase in recommendations, rising from 49 judges in the first half of 2025 to 121 judges currently.

Of the 121 judges, four were issued warnings, 86 received light sanctions, 14 received moderate sanctions, and 17 faced heavy sanctions. Light sanctions included oral reprimands for 15 judges, written reprimands for 47, and written expressions of dissatisfaction for 24. Moderate sanctions involved the postponement of periodic salary increases for two judges, the postponement of promotions for two, and a ‘non-hammer’ status (suspension from presiding) for 10 judges for up to six months.

Heavy sanctions included removal from office for two judges, ‘non-hammer’ status for up to two years for two judges, dishonorable discharge for two, and demotion for three. Additionally, one judge faced dismissal with pension rights, while nine faced dishonorable discharge.

Abhan detailed the types of violations, noting that 94 judges violated procedural law, including issues with state administration, trial administration, manipulation of verdicts, alteration of trial facts, inaccuracies in drafting decisions, errors in assessing evidence, and breaches of impartiality. Seven judges engaged in misconduct within the judicial environment, such as arrogance, harassment of staff, or attendance manipulation. Seven others committed personal misconduct, including adultery, unregistered marriages, and breach of contract. Two judges violated integrity and abused their positions through dual professions or failure to comply with LHKPN (wealth reports), and one judge was involved in online gambling.

Furthermore, eight judges have already been brought before the Honour Council of Judges (MKH) for trial. During the first half of 2026, the KY and MA have conducted seven MKH sessions, which serve as the decision-making forum for judges proposed for heavy sanctions.