Judges at the PHI/Tipikor Palu Class 1 A District Court in Central Sulawesi have expressed their unwavering support for a peaceful demonstration and collective leave, which took place from October 7-11, 2024. This unified action serves as a powerful expression of solidarity among Indonesian judges, who are collectively demanding enhanced welfare and protection for their profession.
Sugiyanto, spokesperson for the Palu District Court, stated that all judges at the Palu District Court fully endorse the measures taken by the Leadership of the Supreme Court and the Central Management of the Indonesian Judges Association.
This move aims to facilitate the third amendment to Government Regulation Number 94 of 2012, which governs the Financial Rights and Facilities of Judges under the Supreme Court.
“All judges at the Palu District Court support this peaceful demonstration and collective leave, with the hope that the third amendment to PP 94 of 2012 can be realized soon,” Sugiyanto explained in Palu, Tuesday (8/10).
Despite supporting the peaceful demonstration, Sugiyanto emphasized that legal services at the Palu District Court would continue as usual during the period of the demonstration.
“No judges went to Jakarta to take part in the action, and trial activities and legal services to the community continued without interruption,” he said.
During the series of peaceful demonstrations, judges are scheduled to hold an audience with the Supreme Court Leadership, IKAHI Central Leadership, and the Minister of Law and Human Rights.
The hearing was divided into two teams, with one team meeting the Supreme Court and IKAHI leadership at the Supreme Court Building, and the other team meeting the Minister of Law and Human Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Building.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the welfare and protection of the judging profession and to submit a revised draft of PP Number 94 of 2012.
Judges also presented three main demands, the ratification of the Judges’ Department Bill, the ratification of the Contempt of Court Bill, and regulations that guarantee security for judges.
Analysis: Indonesian Judges Unite for Better Welfare and Security
In a historic display of unity, over 1,000 judges across Indonesia have come together to demand improved welfare and security. The five-day mass leave, which took place from October 7 to 11, 2024, has shed light on the long-standing issues faced by the country’s judiciary [[1]]. This striking move has not only gained attention from the Indonesian government but also sparked a wave of solidarity among judges nationwide.
At the heart of this collective action is the judges’ demand for better wages, allowances, and working conditions. For 12 years, judges’ wages and allowances have been frozen, leading to plummeting morale and decreased motivation [[2]]. This financial stagnation has forced judges to seek alternative means to sustain their families, ultimately compromising their independence and impartiality in the court of law.
The reported participation of judges from various district courts has sent a clear message to the Indonesian government: the judiciary demands recognition and respect. Despite some exceptions, such as the Pangkalpinang District Court, which did not participate in the strike, the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive [[3]]. This mass leave has also highlighted the role of Prabowo, who has acknowledged the judges’ concerns and promised to “pay attention” to their demands.
As we analyze this development, it becomes clear that the Indonesian government must take concrete steps to address the grievances of its judges. The situation is not merely about improving working conditions but also about protecting the independence of the judiciary. A government that values the rule of law must prioritize the welfare and security of its judges.
This historic strike serves as a wake-up call for the Indonesian government to recognize the plight of its judges and take immediate action to improve their lives. Only by doing so can the government ensure that the judiciary remains a pillar of justice and democracy, unaffected by financial constraints and pressures.
the Indonesian judges’ strike has brought attention to a critical issue that cannot be ignored. As a symbol of solidarity, the mass leave has demonstrated the power of unity among judges in demanding a better future for themselves and the Indonesian judiciary as a whole. The Indonesian government must seize this opportunity to engage with its judges and work towards creating a more sustainable and dignified working environment for these guardians of justice.
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