New judicial move

New judicial move

Thursday, April 1, 2004 is a historical day for Indonesia's
judicial system because from that date on, the courts --
including the administrative courts -- fall under the auspices of
the Supreme Court, instead of the Ministry of Justice and Human
Rights.

The Supreme Court is now fully responsible for both
operational and administrative affairs regarding judges. In the
past, the Supreme Court was in charge of technical (legal)
matters in the course of the judges' daily tasks, while the
ministry was in charge of administrative affairs, including the
recruitment, promotion and demotion of judges, as well as
financial affairs.

In the 1980s, many urged that the judges be placed under the
supervision of the Supreme Court to make them more independent.
Judges' independence is absolutely vital, especially in disputes
between civilians and the government. There were times when the
executive power interfered in court proceedings. Of course,
interference in legal proceedings can also come from those with
money or groups with "special power".

Therefore, the new policy is obviously welcomed by many.

The question is what the courts will be like under the
auspices of the Supreme Court. This is especially relevant in
regard to supervising judges and the courts.

There have been indications of bribery in many verdicts handed
down by judges, which has created controversy.

We just hope that the Supreme Court can prove to the public
that it can improve the image and professionalism of judges. We
don't want to see the new policy result in the Supreme Court's
monopoly of judicial power and arrogance.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta