CHAIRMAN of the Judicial Commission (KY) Amzulian Rifai held a meeting with Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin at the Indonesian Attorney General’s Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (12/11). The meeting took place in the middle of the investigation into a case of alleged bribery and/or gratification which involved three judges at the Surabaya District Court (PN) as suspects in connection with the murder case committed by Ronald Tannur.
After meeting Burhanuddin, Amzulian emphasized that his party’s authority could only investigate ethical violations by members of the judiciary. During this meeting, he said that often investigations carried out by KY found criminal elements. However, Amzulian admitted that his party could not investigate this matter.
“Sometimes during an ethical examination, there are actually things that we believe are criminal in nature. But, when we feel that they are criminal, our authority does not extend to that,” he explained.
Therefore, the meeting with the Attorney General is a moment for the KY to mitigate if it finds suspected criminal acts when examining individual judges. According to Amzulian, Burhanuddin has expressed his willingness to follow up on the results of the KY examination at a later date.
“We will convey follow-up if the results of the examination are criminal. The Attorney General is pleased to follow up later if there are criminal matters,” said Amzulian.
It is known that JAM-Pidsus investigators have named six people as suspects in cases of alleged bribery and/or gratification related to case management, including three Surabaya District Court judges, namely Erintuah Damanik, Mangapul, and Heru Hanindyo.
The other three suspects are former Head of the Legal and Judicial Training Agency of the Supreme Court (MA) Zarof Ricar, Ronald’s lawyer named Lisa Rachmat, and Meirizka Widjaja as Ronald’s mother.
Erintuah, Mangapul, and Heru handed down a verdict of acquittal against Ronald at the first instance court. Meanwhile, at the cassation hearing, Ronald’s case was tried by Supreme Court justices Soesilo, Ainal Mardhiah and Sutarjo.
Separately, Burhanuddin emphasized that his party would follow up on the report submitted by KY. If the results of the KY’s examination of individual judges are deemed accurate, investigators, continued the Attorney General, will investigate them.
He also said that he would not feel uncomfortable if he investigated a case involving a supreme judge at the Supreme Court. (P-5)
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What specific legal reforms or policy changes could be implemented to strengthen the coordination and cooperation between the Judicial Commission and the Attorney General’s office in investigating and addressing potential criminal activity involving judges?
## Interview: Bridging the Gap Between Ethics and Criminal Justice in Indonesia
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the recent meeting between the Chairman of the Judicial Commission, Amzulian Rifai, and Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin. Joining us to shed light on this matter is legal expert and professor Alex Reed. Welcome to the show, Professor.
**Professor:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. It seems there’s a bit of a jurisdictional gray area when it comes to investigating judges. Mr. Rifai stated that KY can investigate ethical violations but often uncovers potential criminal activity they lack the authority to pursue. Can you elaborate on this?
**Professor:** Absolutely. The Judicial Commission, as its name suggests, is focused on ensuring ethical conduct among judges. Think of it as maintaining the integrity of the judiciary. However, they are limited in their investigatory powers when it comes to crimes. When KY finds evidence suggesting criminal activity, they must hand it over to the proper authorities, which would be the Attorney General’s office in this case.
**Host:** So, the meeting between Mr. Rifai and Mr. Burhanuddin likely focuses on streamlining this handover process and ensuring better coordination between the two bodies?
**Professor:** Precisely. It’s crucial for these institutions to work together effectively. A stronger collaboration can lead to more efficient investigations and ultimately uphold the rule of law. They are aiming to ensure that judges are held accountable not just for ethical lapses but also for any criminal acts they might be involved in [[2](https://mediaindonesia.com/p/5740782/ketua-ky-jumpai- and-)].
**Host:** This all comes in the context of a bribery scandal involving judges in Surabaya. Do you think this case highlights the need for clearer legal frameworks regarding judge accountability?
**Professor:** It certainly raises important questions. While Indonesia has made strides in judicial reform, as highlighted in the recent article from The Jakarta Post [[1](https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2022/09/28/judicial-commission-demands-stronger-oversight-power.html)], this case underscores the ongoing need for stronger oversight mechanisms and clearer definitions of jurisdiction.
**Host:** Professor, thank you for providing your valuable insight on this complex issue.
**Professor:** My pleasure. I hope this discussion prompts further dialog and pushes for continued improvements in the Indonesian justice system.
