KY Check Ad Hoc Judge PN Samarinda Walkout During Trial

JAKARTA - The Judicial Commission (KY) examined M, an ad hoc judge for corruption at the Samarinda District Court (PN), East Kalimantan, who walked out or left during the trial on Thursday (8/1) in connection with the call for a strike to demand an increase in allowances.

The Head of the Judiciary and Investigation Supervision Unit of the KY, Abhan, explained that M was examined on Wednesday afternoon. This examination is a right of reply for alleged violations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct Guidelines for Judges (KEPPH) following the action.

"Judge M is suspected of violating the KEPPH because he walked out during the trial, thus disrupting the service to justice seekers. This examination aims to clarify and explore further information," said Abhan as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 21.

According to him, this examination is only used for the purpose of ethical examination. However, he cannot reveal the things that are further examined because the examination is closed.

The results of the examination, he added, will be brought to the plenary session to determine whether or not the violation of the KEPPH has been proven. If found guilty, KY will submit a recommendation for the imposition of sanctions to the Supreme Court.

"If it is not proven, his good name will be restored by KY," he said.

Abhan added that before Judge M was summoned, KY had also examined witnesses who knew about the peristiwawalkout.

It is known that the strike action was carried out by the ad hoc judge as a form of protest against the inequality of welfare following the issuance of Government Regulation (PP) Number 42 of 2025 which regulates the increase in career judges' allowances.

Regarding this aspiration, KY has received an audience from the Indonesian Ad Hoc Judges Solidarity Forum (FSHA) on Thursday (15/1). The meeting discussed the financial rights of ad hoc judges who were said to have not changed for the past 13 years.

After the meeting, KY ensured the commitment to continue to strive for the improvement of the welfare of ad hoc judges. According to KY, improving welfare can improve the performance of judges and prevent violations of KEPPH.

"Well-being is the foundation of independence and integrity of the judiciary. Therefore, KY continues to strive for an increase in the welfare of judges who are just," said member and KY spokesperson Anita Kadir.