Yusril: No Position Serves as Protection, Power is Subject to the Law
Jakarta, VIVA – The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has emphasised that no official position is immune to the law within public services. He stressed that the government maintains a firm stance against all forms of malpractice in public service delivery.
“No position can serve as a shield for deviations in public services, and no position should be used as a shield. In a state governed by the rule of law, power is subject to the law,” Yusril stated during a consolidation meeting with three technical ministries under his coordination in Jakarta, as reported on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
Regarding the ongoing legal process concerning alleged irregularities in immigration services, the Coordinating Minister requested all personnel to respect the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and uphold the principle of the presumption of innocence. He further called upon all state apparatus to maintain integrity and professionalism, ensuring that services to the public are conducted transparently, fairly, and accountably.
Yusril warned that malpractice in public services is not merely an administrative issue but can erode public trust in the state. He noted that the practice of trading procedures creates a perception that justice can be purchased, which ultimately harms honest employees.
He also highlighted the importance of transparency in public services, ranging from clarity regarding fees and service duration to the legal basis used in every process. “If there is a fee, state the official fee. If there is a service timeframe, state the timeframe. Do not make the public dependent on ‘insiders’ to obtain their rights,” he said.
Yusril urged heads of work units, regional heads, and technical implementation unit (UPT) heads to be more sensitive to signs of malpractice within their respective environments, including unusual service patterns, recurring public complaints, and lifestyles of employees that are inconsistent with their official standing.
Yusril emphasised that good leaders must do more than just receive reports; they must actively observe, ask questions, listen, and ensure that service standards are truly implemented on the ground. In addition to emphasising internal supervision, he expressed the government’s support and appreciation for employees who have maintained integrity and rejected malpractice, requesting that honest workers be protected and not marginalised.