Muladi: Law enforcers must improve their image

JAKARTA (JP): The country's law enforcers must improve their professionalism despite the adversities they face, including a low salary, Minister of Justice Muladi said here yesterday.

He acknowledged that poor compensation of judges and other law enforcers was one reason the quality of law enforcement and judges was often in question.

But he stressed that professionalism and integrity should be made paramount, and that material gains were no excuse to succumb to bribes and other unsavory practices.

Muladi recounted how there was skepticism when the National Commission on Human Rights was established under a presidential decree. Many doubted that it could perform its tasks objectively.

"But its members' professionalism has made the commission very well-respected," said Muladi, who is also a member of the commission.

He also said enhanced professionalism of law enforcers would mean a lot in helping the country restore its battered image.

"By being more professional we can help restore confidence," he told a general lecture on law before about 400 students and academics at Atma Jaya Catholic University.

Muladi also noted how he was criticized by parties abroad concerning a recent court case ruling on intellectual property rights.

The ruling had, in their opinion, failed to conform to internationally accepted rules.

In a globalized world, Muladi said, legal matters were complex and intertwined, and judges could no longer ignore the international ramifications of their decisions.

He said there were international conventions to which the country was legally bound after it had ratified them.

Judges should keep in mind that a decision entered into legal jurisprudence, he said in emphasizing the aspect of professionalism. (aan)