Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Thousands of Indonesian judges are planning to stage a nationwide collective leave from October 7 to 11, 2024, in a bold move to demand better welfare, independence, and respect for the judiciary in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Judges Solidarity spokesperson, Fauzan Arrasyid, emphasized that this collective action reflects a firm commitment from the judiciary to highlight systemic issues that have long been ignored by the government.
“This Indonesian judges’ collective leave will be carried out simultaneously by thousands of judges across the country, starting from October 7 through October 11, 2024,” Fauzan said in a written statement released on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Concerns Over Judicial Integrity
Fauzan warned that the government’s inability to adjust judges’ pay in line with inflation poses a serious risk to the integrity of the judicial system. He argued that without adequate compensation, judges may become vulnerable to corruption, especially as their earnings may not meet the demands of everyday living.
“This failure to ensure judges’ welfare is a step backward and could threaten the integrity of the courts. Judges without sufficient income might be tempted by corrupt practices. Moreover, the Supreme Court has issued Ruling No. 23 P/HUM/2018, which mandates a review of judges’ salary structure,” Fauzan explained.
The call for action reflects growing frustration within the judiciary as many judges struggle to maintain a decent standard of living under the current compensation structure. This joint leave initiative is expected to bring attention to the urgent need for reform within Indonesia’s judicial system.
Possible Impact of the Judges’ Leave
The collective leave could disrupt court operations across Indonesia during the designated period, delaying legal proceedings and potentially causing a backlog in case management. The movement seeks to pressure the government to take immediate action on improving judges’ welfare, ensuring they are paid in line with the critical role they play in maintaining law and order.
Judicial officials hope this action will compel the government to seriously consider their demands and enact the long-overdue reforms necessary to ensure fair compensation and safeguard the independence of the courts.
Indonesia Grants Immigration Officers Firearms to Enhance Security
The leave action will be closely watched by various legal and civil society groups, as the outcome could set a precedent for future labor actions within Indonesia’s public sector, especially among other undercompensated government workers.
(Ray)
