OTT Caught Judge, Minister of Home Affairs Emphasizes Salary Increase is Still the Way

JAKARTA - Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the increase in judges' salaries would still be implemented even though there were cases of judges at the District Court who were caught in the hand-catching operation (OTT).

The government considers that the case cannot be used as an excuse to stop the policy of improving the welfare of the judiciary.

Prasetyo admitted that the increase in salaries did not automatically eliminate corruption practices in the judiciary. However, the policy is still seen as an important effort to close the gap for corruption.

"We hope that with better welfare, judges will not be tempted to do bad things," he said at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Friday, February 6.

He called the OTT case that is still happening a matter of concern. However, according to him, the event must be placed as the work of individuals, not a reflection of policy failure.

The government, said Prasetyo, continues to encourage the judicial institutions to carry out internal improvements, especially in combating the culture of corruption and collusion practices.

Responding to the possible impact of this case on the plan to increase the salary of ad hoc judges, Prasetyo emphasized that the policy was not affected.

"There is no impact. This is an individual, one or two people. It is not that the institution or policy is removed," he said.

He added that the salary increase was part of a long-term strategy to reduce unhealthy practices in the judicial environment. The government chose to continue the policy while strengthening supervision and improving work culture.

Regarding the legal basis for the policy, Prasetyo ensured that the Presidential Regulation on the increase in judges' salaries had been signed.

"Yes, thank God it has been. We just have to implement it," he said.

Regarding the amount of the increase, Prasetyo said the figure was not exactly the same as the initial plan, but the difference was not significant.

The government hopes that this policy can go hand in hand with serious efforts to eradicate corruption in the judiciary, not even stopped because of the actions of a few individuals.