Survey shows judges lack sense of professionalism
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)