Muladi: Law enforcers must improve their image

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)