Prosecutors, judges hold joint anticorruption training

Prosecutors, judges hold joint anticorruption training

A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

At least 30 state prosecutors and 10 judges from around the
country are currently undergoing a 75-day anticorruption training
course aimed at enhancing their abilities and creating common
understanding among law enforcers in handling corruption cases.

During the course, the first of its kind here, the prosecutors
and judges are expected to study the latest techniques for
dealing with corruption cases.

"Dealing with corruption is a complex matter so it is of great
importance that we increase the knowledge of prosecutors and
judges," Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Monday.

The opening ceremony for the course was held at the Attorney
General's Office, while the training itself will take place at
the Sawangan, Bogor, training center of the Attorney General's
Office.

Antasari Azhar, spokesman for the attorney general, said the
judges and prosecutors would study investigation techniques,
evidence gathering, making dossiers and other useful skills for
pursuing corruption cases.

Those leading the course will include practicing lawyers,
lecturers and senior government officials. The program has been
facilitated by non-governmental organization Partnership for
Governance Reform in Indonesia.

Bagir Manan said the judges and prosecutors were expected to
emerge from the training more professional and trustworthy.

The public now has little trust in the honesty and
professionalism of law enforcers, whom they consider to be
sluggish in eradicating corruption, Bagir said.

"We hope the training will restore public confidence in the
enforcement of the law in the country," he said.

Attorney General M.A. Rachman said the judges and prosecutors
participating in the course were being prepared to play roles in
an anticorruption ad hoc court and commission, which have yet to
be established.

Antasari said the judges and prosecutors from the course would
be prioritized in recruiting members for the ad hoc court and
commission.

Anticorruption activist Iskandar Sonhadji welcomed the
training, but said improving the morality and commitment of the
prosecutors and judges was much more important.

He said prosecutors and judges were part of the problem and
not part of the solution in eradicating corruption, as they
themselves were involved in the crime.

"Prosecutors and judges lack the spirit to combat corruption,
which has really impeded the anticorruption drive that started
with the reform movement," said Iskandar, an executive at the
Indonesian Corruption Watch.

He said that besides the training course, both the Supreme
Court and the Attorney General's Office must supervise and punish
those judges and prosecutors involved in corruption.

"Only in this way can the AGO and the Supreme Court help
create credible and respected prosecutors and judges."