'Money and power' still prevail over justice

'Money and power' still prevail over justice

JAKARTA (JP): Former deputy chief justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto
lamented the state of Indonesian courts, saying that money and
power often still prevailed justice.

"The maintenance of law in Indonesia after 52 years of
independence is still of concern. It is still influenced by power
and money," said Adi, 65.

This, he said, meant the law often failed to protect and serve
justice to the people.

"People are often confused by a judicial decision because the
legal foundations are unclear or might even contradict the law.

"In these cases, judges use unscientific methods to formulate
decisions which side with injustice. Such attitudes by judges is
influenced by the authorities and money," said the former judge.

Adi was speaking Saturday after receiving the Sahardjo Award
from the Defenders for Indonesian Democracy (TPDI), a team of
lawyers for ousted leader Megawati Soekarnoputri's faction of the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

The award was presented by lawyer R.O. Tambunan, who remarked
on Adi's unflinching campaign for clean law enforcement.

The award is named after the late Dr. Sahardjo, a national
hero known for his work promoting human rights in the legal
system and presented to mark TPDI's first anniversary.

Adi is known for his uncompromising stance on the
implementation of justice and fight against corruption in the
legal system.

One of his most famous decisions was exonerating labor leader
Muchtar Pakpahan from subversion charges. But the ruling was
quickly turned over by his Supreme Court colleagues.

Adi, who retired in May after serving 18-years as deputy chief
justice, also made headlines with his accusation of widespread
collusion within the Supreme Court.

Kastorius Sinaga, a member of a team of five who conducted the
award selection, said Adi edged out 42 nominees from various
fields.

The selection committee appraised Adi on his persistent
struggle in law enforcement and his devotion to public welfare.

Speaking on the current state of the courts, Adi deplored that
rulings were often contrived in such a way that people could now
predict the outcome before the ruling had been made.

"We even get the impression now that the court is a mere
theatrical stage," he said.

"Such a situation continues today. Collusion and corruption
remains a disease which even I have become frustrated facing," he
added.

Since retiring, Adi has now turned his attention to education.
He was recently installed as dean of the Trisakti University's
law faculty. (10)