Violations by 121 Sanctioned Judges Occurred Before 280 Per Cent Salary Increase

Abhan Misbah, a member of the Judicial Commission (KY) for Judicial Supervision and Investigation, has confirmed that violations of the Code of Ethics and Judicial Conduct (KEPPH) by 121 judges, recommended for sanctions during the first half of 2026, occurred before the 280 per cent increase in salaries, allowances, and financial facilities for judges. Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, he stated that the majority of these KEPPH violations occurred well before the recent financial adjustments.

Abhan explained that during the first semester of 2026, the KY recommended sanctions for 121 judges found to have breached the code of ethics. These recommendations resulted from examinations decided during KY plenary sessions held between January and June 2026. Most of the cases decided in these sessions originated from public reports received by the KY prior to 2026.

A total of 1,402 public reports were received by the KY during the first half of 2026, consisting of 740 allegations of KEPPH violations and 662 reports requiring external confirmation. These reports were verified for administrative completeness and substance; 676 reports, or 87.37 per cent, were formally accepted by the KY, while the remainder are still undergoing verification.

Between January and June 2026, the KY held plenary sessions for 207 reports, ultimately determining that 73 reports were proven true, leading to proposed sanctions for 121 judges. Abhan added that the increase in recommended sanctions serves as a reminder of the necessity for consistent integrity reinforcement through the KY’s supervisory functions. This aligns with the Supreme Court’s (MA) commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding integrity breaches. Furthermore, synergy between the KY and the Supreme Court is expected to strengthen public trust in the judicial system.

‘These sanction recommendations are intended to serve as a lesson for judges to maintain the dignity of their profession. The KY is committed to upholding the implementation of the KEPPH to realise a clean and grand judiciary,’ Abhan stated.

Of the 121 judges, 4 were issued warnings, 86 received light sanctions, 14 received medium sanctions, and 17 were handed heavy sanctions. Light sanctions included oral reprimands for 15 judges, written reprimands for 47 judges, and written statements of dissatisfaction for 24 judges.