Survey shows judges lack sense of professionalism

JAKARTA (JP): Judges, commonly considered wise and honorable persons who always seek truth and justice, are often seen receiving telephone calls and, even worse, falling asleep in Indonesia's courtrooms, a survey has revealed.

"Our judges lack professional initiative and discipline. They do not even respect their profession," noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, quoted at the conclusion of the survey conducted by Judicial Watch in five of the capital's district courts.

The research was conducted from the third week of March to the first week of May, 2001, and involved 12 researchers. It did not reveal the number of judges observed.

Sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the study was aimed at discovering whether judges comply with their code of ethics and respect their profession.

The recently-concluded study was part of a series of examinations, which disclose the reasons behind the problems currently beleaguering the country's judges and provide recommendations for improvement.

Todung also said that, according to the study, many judges were often found daydreaming or paying attention to matters outside the courtroom while prosecutors read an indictment.

"Some judges consider trials as routine, something which means nothing to them. They never make justice their top priority. The situation has been worsening due to corrupt practices," said Todung, who chairs Judicial Watch.

The non-governmental organization will officially begin its formal activities on May 15.

Todung said that the results of the preliminary observation had been handed to newly-appointed Chief Justice Bagir Manan.

"I have a hope that Pak Bagir Manan will initiate all possible measures to watch our judges and hand down stern sanctions against them when professional malpractice occurs. Improving the judges' professionalism will be Pak Bagir's first job," Todung said.

The supremacy of law that the Supreme Court is attempting to uphold is a prerequisite for a clean government, Todung added.

Todung further suggested that the court avoid paying attention only to high profile cases, but also small cases which usually involve the general public.

"Justice does not just belong to certain popular figures like Ginandjar (Kartasasmita) or Beddu Amang, but to ordinary people as well, such as pickpockets, street vendors and taxi drivers," Todung said. (02)