Zhulfakar, Jakarta – Two senior judges in Depok, West Java, have been temporarily suspended after being named corruption suspects, a spokesman for the Supreme Court said on Monday.
Depok District Court chief I Wayan Eka Mariarta and his deputy Bambang Setyawan were named suspects by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for allegedly accepting bribes linked to a land dispute case.
Supreme Court spokesman Yanto said the incident dealt a serious blow to the honor of judges and the credibility of Indonesia's judiciary.
"The Chief Justice has expressed deep disappointment and regret over an incident that undermines the dignity and integrity of judges, and tarnishes the honor of the Supreme Court as an institution," Yanto told a press conference in Jakarta.
Chief Justice Sunarto also lamented that the scandal emerged shortly after the government officially raised judges' allowances, Yanto said. The pay increase was intended to improve welfare while safeguarding judicial independence and preventing corrupt practices.
"Especially troubling is that this occurred not long after judges received higher allowances, which reflected the government's support for strengthening their welfare and independence," he added.
The Supreme Court pledged full support for the KPK's investigation and said it would not obstruct law enforcement efforts against members of the judiciary who violate the law.
If the two judges are later found guilty in a final and binding court ruling, they will be dismissed dishonorably, Yanto said.
In the same case, the KPK named five suspects, including court bailiff Yohansyah Maruanaya and two businessmen, Trisnadi Yulrisman and Berliana Tri Ikusuma, who allegedly bribed the judges.
Investigators allege that Wayan Eka and Bambang demanded Rp 1 billion in exchange for ruling in favor of the defendants in the land dispute. They were arrested during an alleged transaction in Depok on Feb. 5.