'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)